Plant out your Cauliflower this month — conditions are right now.
Growing Calendar
This month: May
Log to journalMove seedlings outside carefully
- •Harden off plants
- •Prepare soil outdoors
- •Space plants correctly
- •Water well after planting
Watch Out For
Cabbage white caterpillars strip leaves
check undersides weekly from late spring and remove egg clusters and caterpillars by hand or net plants early
Clubroot distorts and kills roots in acidic soil
test pH before planting and lime to above 7 if growing on susceptible ground
Heads quickly deteriorate once ready
check every few days at maturity and harvest as soon as the curd is firm and compact; delay causes 'ricey' texture and splitting
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems — no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Cauliflower in the UK
Why is my cauliflower not forming a curd?
Curds fail to form properly due to temperature fluctuations, nitrogen deficiency, or irregular watering causing plant stress. Cauliflower needs consistent growing conditions — firm, fertile soil, regular watering, and protection from frost and extreme heat.
Why is my cauliflower curd yellow or brown?
Yellowing is caused by sun exposure. Tie the outer leaves loosely over the developing curd to protect it. Browning can indicate over-maturity (harvest promptly once the curd is full and tight) or frost damage.
When should I harvest cauliflower?
Harvest when the curd is compact, white (or purple/green for coloured varieties), and about 15–20cm across. Once the surface becomes grainy and sections begin to separate, the cauliflower is past its best. Act promptly — the harvest window is short.
Is cauliflower difficult to grow?
Cauliflower is one of the more demanding brassicas — it is sensitive to temperature extremes, needs consistent moisture and fertility, and has a long growing season. Broccoli and kale are more forgiving alternatives for beginners.
Member guides
There's more to growing Cauliflower than this guide covers.
Seasonal reminders, deeper guides, and the small adjustments that change a harvest.
