Nowadays, cauliflower is more popular than ever before-whether to prep delicious soups, roast it or use it for cauliflower pizza, it’s an inevitable part of many people’s diets.
The good news for cauliflower lovers is that you can also grow endless supplies of it in your home in a pot.
It does pretty well in temperate and tropical weather regions, so no worries on that side. No matter the climate, your cauliflower will succeed.
So, if you happen to love cauliflower and you want to reap its healing properties, here’s how to grow it easily in containers in your garden.
How to Plant Cauliflower in a Pot?
First, it’s important to find the variety of cauliflower that’s the most suitable for your climate and the season.
Generally, you can plant it anytime in a climate that’s frost-free when the temperature reaches the range between 50 and 85 degrees F.
In the warmer regions, sow the seeds in autumn and continue with the sowing throughout the end of winter.
For those living in cooler zones, start the seeds in early spring to harvest them in summer or fall.
How to properly Sow Cauliflower Seeds?
The sowing, planting, and transplanting of seeds are the same for all cabbages, including cauliflower.
So, sow them in a seed starting mix, 1 or 2 cm deep and 4 cm apart. When the seedlings germinate and you see plants with 3 or 4 leaves, start to grow them in containers.
Concerning the soil, opt for one that’s quality, light, humus-rich, and a bit clayey. Since cauliflower loves moist soil, opt for a substrate which drains well, yet holds in some moisture.
Feel free to add ¼ peat or coco moss in the potting mix.
What Type of Container to Choose for Cauliflower?
It’s best to go with a 12-inches deep pot and one that’s at least 10 to 12 inches wide. This is because cauliflower needs sufficient space to grow and develop.
And, the pot should have proper drainage system at the bottom.
If you have half whiskey barrels or big buckets, feel free to plant 2 or 3 heads.
Once you plant it, place the container in a sunny area with at least 6 hours of sunlight.
However, if you live in a hotter climate, it’s beneficial to provide the plant with partial sunlight (between 4 and 6 hours).
When to Water Potted Cauliflower?
Water cauliflower on a regular basis, preventing the soil from drying out excessively when the seedlings are maturing and the head is forming.
However, don’t overwater it as this can avert its growth.
Cauliflower also loves fertilizer-mix in some compost or well-rotted manure in the soil when you plant it.
Also, you can side dress it with compost or manure when it’s in the middle of the growth phase.
The Best Part: Harvesting Your Cauliflower
The harvesting is virtually all year round, depending on its sowing period, climate, and variety. However, generally speaking, expect it around 3 to 4 months after planting.
To check if your cauliflower is ready to be harvested, make sure the head is fully developed (6 to 12 inches in diameter) and it’s still compact.
When the blanching is done, you can collect it in 7 to 12 days.
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