Cauliflower
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Demands consistent conditions and nutrient-rich soil. Blanch the curds by folding leaves over the head to keep them white.
Overview
Companion Planting
Celery
Onion
Oregano
Sage
Strawberry
TomatoToxicity
Cauliflower is non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats; safe to consume in moderation, though large amounts may cause gas and bloating in pets.
Planting Tips
1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.
Care Tip: Blanch (tie outer leaves over the developing head) to keep curds white, and maintain a 5-8 cm mulch layer to suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature.
Common Pests
Cabbage Worm (Pieris rapae)
Symptoms: Irregular holes chewed in leaves; velvety green caterpillars with faint yellow stripes visible on foliage.
Treatment: Handpick larvae and eggs; spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) every 1-2 weeks for active infestations.
Prevention: Cover plants with floating row covers or fine-mesh netting (≤7 mm) immediately after transplanting to block egg-laying moths and butterflies.
Aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae)
Symptoms: Clusters of small gray-green insects on leaf undersides; curling or yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew residue attracting ants.
Treatment: Dislodge with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations.
Prevention: Encourage beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization which promotes lush growth aphids favor.
Flea Beetles (Phyllotreta spp.)
Symptoms: Numerous tiny round holes (shot-holes) in leaves, especially on young seedlings; stunted growth in severe cases.
Treatment: Apply diatomaceous earth around plants or spray pyrethrin on leaf undersides; repeat applications 3-4 days apart.
Prevention: Use floating row covers over seedlings; remove crop debris at season's end to eliminate overwintering sites.
Common Diseases
Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae)
Symptoms: Swollen, distorted roots; plants wilt on warm days despite adequate moisture and show stunted growth with yellowing leaves.
Treatment: No effective chemical cure; remove and destroy infected plants immediately and raise soil pH to 7.2 with agricultural lime.
Prevention: Rotate brassica crops on a 4+ year cycle; maintain soil pH above 7.0 and ensure good drainage.
Downy Mildew (Hyaloperonospora parasitica)
Symptoms: Yellow angular spots on upper leaf surfaces with fuzzy gray-white mold on the undersides; can spread to curds.
Treatment: Remove affected leaves; apply copper-based fungicide preventively and avoid overhead irrigation.
Prevention: Ensure good air circulation with proper spacing; water at soil level and avoid working among wet plants.
Black Rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris)
Symptoms: V-shaped yellow-brown lesions starting at leaf margins; darkened veins and progressive wilting spreading to stems and heads.
Treatment: Remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately; copper-based bactericides can slow spread but cannot cure established infections.
Prevention: Use certified disease-free seed or hot-water-treated seed; practice crop rotation and remove all brassica debris after harvest.