🌱 How to Grow Cauliflower from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: फूलगोभी (Phoolgobhi)

• Tamil: பூக்கோசு (Pookosu)

• Telugu: పూలగోభి (Poolagobhi)

• Malayalam: പൂക്കോബി (Pookkobi)

• Kannada: ಹೂಗೋಬೆ (Hoogobe)

• English: Cauliflower

• Botanical name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

1. Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season crop

• Best time to sow: August to October (for winter harvest)

• Ideal temperature: 15°C to 20°C for best growth and head formation

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained, loamy soil

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Enrich soil with compost or well-rotted manure

• Ensure good drainage to avoid root diseases

3. Sow the Seeds

• Start seeds indoors or in seed trays 6–8 weeks before transplanting

• Sow seeds ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep

• Thin seedlings to 3–4 inches apart initially

• Transplant seedlings when 4–6 inches tall, spacing plants 18–24 inches apart

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

• Water deeply once or twice a week depending on rainfall

• Mulching helps retain moisture and control weeds

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 7–14 days

• Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires full sunlight, 6–8 hours daily

• Grows best in cool temperatures 15°C to 20°C

• Avoid heat, which causes poor head development or bolting

7. Fertilization

• Use balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen during early growth

• Switch to phosphorus and potassium rich fertilizer during head formation

• Side-dress with compost tea or organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles

• Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap

• Practice crop rotation and keep planting area clean

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 70–90 days depending on variety

• Harvest when heads are firm, compact, and white

• Cut heads with a sharp knife leaving some leaves to protect the head

10. Regrow Tip

• Usually grown as an annual

• Save seeds from mature flowers after full plant maturity

• Store seeds in a cool, dry place for next season

🌿 Health Benefits of Cauliflower

• Rich in vitamins C, K, and folate

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

• Supports digestion and may help prevent certain cancers

• Low calorie and high fiber vegetable ideal for weight management