UK sowing calendar
When to sow cauliflower in the UK
Cauliflower sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Mar-Apr |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Apr-May; Aug-Sep (winter types) |
| Harvest | Aug-Jan |
The fussiest brassica: any check to steady growth (drought, transplant shock, poor soil) causes tiny premature 'button' curds, so keep moisture even and soil firm and rich. Summer/autumn types sown Mar-May crop Aug-Oct; winter/spring-heading types sown late spring or Aug-Sep crop Oct-Jan and into spring.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for cauliflower.
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When to sow cauliflower in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow cauliflower in the UK?
Sow cauliflower under cover Mar-Apr, then outdoors apr-may; aug-sep (winter types). The fussiest brassica: any check to steady growth (drought, transplant shock, poor soil) causes tiny premature 'button' curds, so keep moisture even and soil firm and rich. Summer/autumn types sown Mar-May crop Aug-Oct; winter/spring-heading types sown late spring or Aug-Sep crop Oct-Jan and into spring.
Can you sow cauliflower outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant cauliflower outdoors apr-may; aug-sep (winter types). Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is cauliflower ready to harvest in the UK?
Cauliflower is typically harvested Aug-Jan in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow cauliflower?
It depends on the month and your region. Cauliflower has a UK outdoor window of apr-may; aug-sep (winter types); northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.