Crop fact sheet · Cool season
Cauliflower
Not in season right now in Houston. Dates below.
Your dates in Houston
| Window | Order seed by | Start indoors | Plant | First harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Jun 17 | Jul 8 | Aug 19 – Sep 30 | from Oct 28 |
| Fall 2027 | Jun 17 | Jul 8 | Aug 19 – Sep 30 | from Oct 28 |
Worked out from AgriLife planting windows (days before/after average frost) and Houston's average frost dates. "Order seed by" is our own 3-week heads-up, not an AgriLife date.
The numbers
- How to plant
- Set out transplants 0.5" deep, 24" apart, rows 36" apart.
- Days to harvest
- 70–90 days
- Yield per 10 ft of row
- 10 lb
- Keeps producing
- about 2 weeks
- Start indoors
- 6 weeks before planting out
- Sun
- Full sun
- Family
- Brassicaceae (for rotation)
Water
Keep soil moist but not soaked; consistent moisture is key at establishment and the 6-7 leaf stage. Avoid overwatering for 2-3 weeks after transplanting.
Feeding
- At planting: 1-2 lb of complete fertilizer (e.g., 10-20-10) per 100 sq ft or about 30 ft of row, mixed 2-3 inches into the soil.
- About 4 weeks after transplanting: 1 lb complete fertilizer (or 1 cup ammonium sulfate/nitrate) per 30 ft of row, watered in; repeat about 4 weeks later.
Not sure what your soil needs? Get a soil test first.
Texas heat
Cauliflower does not tolerate heat. Temperatures above 80°F delay curd formation, and a daily mean above 68°F during curd development lowers quality. Moisture stress or a cold spell after warm weather can cause buttoning (premature small curds).
Pests to watch
- cabbage loopers
- imported cabbageworms
- aphids
- harlequin bugs
Diseases
- black rot
- Alternaria leaf spot
- downy mildew
- damping-off
What to do about them: pest sheet · what's wrong with my plant?
When it's ready
Cut when curds are full size (6-8 inches) but still compact, white and smooth, usually 8-10 days after blanching. Loose, opening heads are over-mature.
Storing it
Chill immediately; refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to 5 days.
Texas tips
- AgriLife's planting table lists cauliflower as fall only (10-16 weeks before first freeze; spring 'not recommended'). The Cole Crops sheet allows spring planting but says fall is more successful.
- Blanch: when the head is easy to see, tie the longest outer leaves over it to keep it white.
- Harder to grow than broccoli or cabbage; early-maturing varieties do best.
Varieties that do well in Texas
Alverda (green), Brocoverde, Imperial, Majestic, Snow Crown, Snowball Y Improved, Violet Queen (purple)