Buy cauliflower seeds: firm heads from your own garden

The benefits of cauliflower in your vegetable garden

Cauliflower is a perfect fit for a mixed vegetable garden. It's a source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It also performs well in the garden: its broad leaves protect it from sunlight, and its compact growth takes up little space. You can grow cauliflower from early spring until well into autumn, choosing from a variety of varieties, including white, green, purple, and orange. Homegrown cauliflower also contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

With Plukkers cauliflower seeds, you're choosing varieties that grow reliably in the Dutch climate. Whether you want an early harvest or are looking for a variety that stores well, we have the right seed for you. However, it's not recommended to harvest cauliflower seeds yourself due to the high risk of cross-pollination and the complexity of cultivation.

Which cauliflower suits you?

The rich variety of cauliflower offers a wide variety of colors, shapes, and characteristics. Cauliflower comes in various types and colors. You can choose based on flavor, appearance, or growing season. A few popular varieties:

• White cauliflower – classic and versatile in the kitchen, known for its beautiful white head
• Purple cauliflower – eye-catching, rich in natural colourings and flavourful
• Green Romanesco – spiral, nutty and decorative
• Firm varieties – some cauliflowers belong to the firm cabbage family and are therefore firm and store well
• Good self-covering varieties – these form a protective canopy, which keeps the head well protected against discolouration and weather influences
• Small cauliflowers – compact mini cauliflowers, fast growing and decorative, ideal for various dishes and as an alternative to larger cauliflowers

How to grow cauliflower from seed

Cauliflower is best sown in trays or pots from February to June, or under glass or in a greenhouse for an early start and early harvest. The sowing time depends on the desired harvest time: for an early harvest, you can sow as early as mid-April under glass or in a greenhouse, while September, October, and late September are suitable for autumn or early autumn cultivation. Ensure the soil is sufficiently moist during sowing and during the young planting stage to ensure the cauliflower grows well. After four to six weeks, you can transplant the young plants into the ground, greenhouse, or a large container. Cauliflower also thrives in a vegetable garden.

Soil: Nutritious and well-drained; add fertilizer as needed during growth.

Location: sunny to partial shade

Water: regularly, evenly and preferably at the foot of the plant

Spacing: fifty centimeters between plants; make sure the plants have enough space so that the cauliflower grows without hindrance.

During growth, pay close attention to discoloration. Cover the flower with its own leaves to maintain a beautiful white or purple color. Protect young plants from pests and weather by covering them or keeping them sheltered, for example, with fleece, especially when there is a risk of frost. Some varieties are suitable for overwintering; cover them in winter for extra protection. Harvesting of certain varieties is possible from mid-June, while the last harvest often takes place at the end of the season. Beware of botrytis, a fungal disease that can affect cauliflower. This is how you can successfully grow cauliflower from seed to harvest, both in a greenhouse and in the ground, by paying attention to moisture, protection, and the correct sowing time.

Early cultivation: a head start in the season

Want to enjoy fresh cauliflower from your own garden early this season? Then early cultivation is perfect for you! By sowing in September or October, you'll give your plants a good start and can harvest robust heads as early as spring. I recommend choosing a cauliflower variety specifically suited to early cultivation, such as ' Bermeo F1 ' or ' Liria F1 '. These varieties are highly recommended because they cover themselves beautifully—so your cauliflower stays nice and white, even in bright sunshine.

During early cultivation, it's helpful to protect your young plants from pesky visitors like the cabbage root fly. A sheet of fleece or a fine netting will work wonders to help your cauliflower grow peacefully. Don't forget to treat your plants to a generous dose of fertilizer – cauliflower needs nutrient-rich soil to grow into a beautiful, firm head. With a little love and attention, you'll be enjoying your homegrown cauliflower early in the season. Enjoy your garden!

Green cauliflower Romanesco: surprising variation in your garden

Green cauliflower, Roman, Esco, or tower cauliflower, is such a lovely surprise for your vegetable garden and offers a delicious twist on the classic white cauliflower. This unique variety has such a fresh green color and a lovely, slightly nutty flavor—perfect for both summer and fall cultivation. You can often start harvesting as early as June, so you can enjoy this special vegetable early in the season.

Keep a close eye on your green cauliflower for pests like cabbage root fly and nasty diseases like clubroot. By checking regularly and intervening in time, you'll ensure your plants continue to grow healthily and happily. And the best part: green cauliflower is not only delicious boiled or steamed, but also raw in your salad or as a crunchy snack. This is an easy way to add color and flavor to your dishes and your vegetable garden.

Harvesting and processing cauliflower

You know that feeling – you're walking through the garden, wondering if that beautiful cauliflower is finally ready to pick. The secret is in the timing! As soon as your head is about 6 to 7 inches across and feels nice and firm (just give it a gentle squeeze), it's ready to harvest. Don't wait too long, because a head that's too big loses its lovely, mild flavor and falls apart more quickly. We always cut the cauliflower from the plant with a sharp knife, leaving a few of those lovely protective leaves on – this way, your harvest will stay looking appetizing for much longer.

The real fun begins after harvest! You can do all sorts of things with it – make a deliciously creamy soup (always a hit here), steam the florets, or toss raw pieces into a fresh salad. Want to enjoy your own cauliflower all year round? Simply freeze or pickle it. This way, you'll always have a healthy, home-grown product on hand. With a little love and the right approach, you'll truly get the most out of your cauliflower – and what's more fun than enjoying vegetables from your own garden?

Cauliflower in the kitchen

Cauliflower is a true all-rounder. You can cook it as one of the classic ways, retaining its shape and color depending on the variety and how you cook it. You can make cauliflower rice, creamy puree, soup, or roast it in the oven. You can also easily add cauliflower to various dishes, such as soups and casseroles. It's also deliciously refreshing raw in a salad or with a dip. And harvesting it yourself always tastes better.

Why cauliflower seeds from Plukkers

Plukkers stands for convenience, quality, and enjoyment in the garden. In addition to cauliflower, we offer a wide range of vegetable seeds for every home gardener. Our cauliflower seeds are selected for their vigor, flavor, and reliability. Each packet contains a large number of seeds, and the packaging provides clear information about their contents and use. Each packet comes with clear instructions, so you know exactly when and how to sow, transplant, and harvest.

Whether you have a small city garden or a large vegetable patch, there's always room for cauliflower. Start small or sow for a whole season. Everything starts with a seed – and you can get that seed at Plukkers.