Cauliflower Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group)
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- BRAS-ih-ka ol-ur-RAY-see-uh
- Description
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The Botrytis Group of Brassica oleracea is most commonly called cauliflower. The genus name Brassica is Latin for cabbage. It is a cool-season vegetable that does not tolerate heat well, therefore, it is typically grown in the spring or fall. Sow seed in late spring for a summer harvest, then again in late summer for fall harvesting. It is grown for the edible stem, buds, and flowers. The unshowy flowers have a spicy flavor.
For best-growing results, keep the soil moist and plant in a loam-based soil that is rich in nitrogen. The use of compost is ideal for soil enrichment. Mulching around the plants will help protect the surface roots and retain moisture.
It is not a frost-tolerant plant. It should not be sown if there is any possibility of frost.
Plants are ready for harvesting when the heads are 6-8" across, firm and tight.
Cauliflower is now available in a variety of colors.
In the form of compact heads, these are a popular vegetable that can be served raw or boiled. Often they are accompanied by a white sauce.
They are also used in pickle production.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Insects that may affect its growth are cabbage worms, slugs, aphids, and caterpillars. Watch out for leaf spot and black rot.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common Cole crop diseases and other plant problems.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Cendis'
Triangular, shallowly scalloped, grey-green leaves. Short, sturdy stalks with densly packed heads of white florets. - 'Cheddar'
A patented hybrid variety. More beta-carotene than regular cauliflower. Color stays true when cooked. - 'Graffiti'
Purple headed variety, best sown in late winter/early spring. - 'Purple of Sicily'
Large heads are brilliant purple in the garden or on the fresh veggie platter, changing to a striking green when cooked. - 'Violet Queen'
Rich purple heads that can be eaten raw or cooked.
- 'Cendis'
- 'Cendis', 'Cheddar', 'Graffiti', 'Purple of Sicily', 'Violet Queen'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Cendis'
Triangular, shallowly scalloped, grey-green leaves. Short, sturdy stalks with densly packed heads of white florets. - 'Cheddar'
A patented hybrid variety. More beta-carotene than regular cauliflower. Color stays true when cooked. - 'Graffiti'
Purple headed variety, best sown in late winter/early spring. - 'Purple of Sicily'
Large heads are brilliant purple in the garden or on the fresh veggie platter, changing to a striking green when cooked. - 'Violet Queen'
Rich purple heads that can be eaten raw or cooked.
- 'Cendis'
- 'Cendis', 'Cheddar', 'Graffiti', 'Purple of Sicily', 'Violet Queen'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Brassica
- Species:
- oleracea
- Family:
- Brassicaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Western Europe
- Play Value:
- Edible fruit
- Edibility:
- The stem, flower buds and flowers can be eaten
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Cool Season Vegetable
- Edible
- Vegetable
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Siliqua
- Fruit Description:
- The fruits dry and split when ripe.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Flower Shape:
- Cross
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Edible leaf
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Problems:
- Problem for Horses
