Days to Maturity: Approximately 80-90 days from transplant to main head harvest (side shoots often follow).
Sun Needs: Full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily—essential for tight head formation and rich purple color development in Utah’s climate.
Season Type: Cool-season crop; best for early spring transplanting or mid-summer planting for fall harvest—tolerates light frosts and prefers moderate temperatures (50-75°F).
Plant Habit & Support: Compact plants 18-24 inches tall and wide; no support needed—space 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart for good airflow and head size.
Other Notes: Beautiful purple color that holds well when cooked; watch for cabbage worms, aphids, clubroot, or tip burn—organic mulch (like straw or compost) helps retain moisture and reduce soil splash; harvest main head when firm and compact before florets open.
Best Planting Method: Transplant when soil is cool and workable in early spring or mid-summer for fall crops. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows or beds; plant at the same depth as in the pot. Amend soil generously with compost for fertility, drainage, and organic matter—raised beds are ideal in heavier or alkaline Utah soils to prevent rot and encourage healthy roots. Organic mulch (such as straw, compost, or grass clippings) around plants retains moisture, moderates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.
Watering Needs: Maintain consistently moist soil (1-2 inches per week) without waterlogging—even moisture throughout growth prevents buttoning, loose heads, or bitterness; drip irrigation is best in dry Utah conditions to keep foliage dry and reduce disease. Mulch significantly helps during warmer spells; avoid letting soil dry out, especially during head formation.
Fertilization Needs: Incorporate compost or balanced organic fertilizer at planting for nutrient-rich soil. Cauliflower is a heavy feeder—side-dress with a nitrogen-rich option (like compost tea or fish emulsion) 3-4 weeks after transplanting, and possibly again midway, to support leaf and head growth. Avoid excess nitrogen late to prevent soft, pest-prone plants; harvest the main head when it is firm and compact (before buds open) by cutting below it with a sharp knife—side shoots will often follow for more harvest.