Heirloom Cauliflower Seeds
(Brassica oleracea)
Heirloom / Open Pollinated Cauliflower is a biennial, frost tolerant plant, that requires deeply-tilled, firm, fertile soil for good head or “curd” formation. Start heirloom cauliflower plants indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant cauliflower seeds ¼ – ½” deep. Germination occurs in 5-17 days in soil 55-75°F. Keep seedlings moist. “Harden-off” and then transplant outdoors into prepared bed two weeks before the last frost. Set heirloom cauliflower plants out in full sun, 12-24″ apart, in rows 18-36″ apart. To keep head white, tie a few inner leaves over curd if plant does not curl leaves in on it’s own (make sure head and foliage are not wet when doing so; if wet, can cause rot). Harvest when heads are firm and full sized for variety, and before sections start to separate. Cut a few wrapper leaves with head. Heirloom Cauliflower plants will keep up to a few wks if you pull up the plant, and hang it upside down in a cool place, misting regularly with water.