Cauliflower
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Cauliflower Plant Stages: From Seedling to Harvest
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) has a precise and sensitive growth cycleโone that requires the right conditions and nutrients at each stage. Unlike leafy greens or sprawling vine crops, cauliflower grows as a tight central head (curd) that forms once the plantโs vegetative stage is complete. Understanding the stages of cauliflower development is essential for preventing bolting, yellowing, or poor curd formation.
How Long Does Cauliflower Take to Grow?
- Total Duration: 10โ14 weeks from seed to harvest (depending on variety and season)
- Ideal Climate: Cool-season cropโbest planted in autumn or early spring in most Australian regions
- Curd Formation Temperature Range: 15โ20ยฐC for compact, white heads
Cauliflower requires stable, mild weather and uninterrupted development. Even slight nutrient stress or weather fluctuations can cause curds to become loose, discoloured, or fail to form. This makes stage-specific careโespecially fertilisation and wateringโvital to success.


Stages of Cauliflower Growth
1. Germination (Week 0โ1)
- Conditions: Seeds sprout within 5โ10 days at 15โ20ยฐC
- Requirements: Consistent soil moisture and shallow planting (~0.5โ1 cm deep)
- Tip: Use seed trays or starter cells in cooler areas, then transplant after 3โ4 weeks
2. Seedling Stage (Week 1โ4)
- Development: First true leaves form after cotyledons; root system begins to expand
- Fertiliser: Apply a diluted dose of NPK 20-20-20 every 10 days for balanced early growth
- Transplanting: Once seedlings have 4โ6 true leaves and are 10โ15 cm tall
3. Vegetative Growth (Week 4โ8)
- Development: Rapid expansion of broad leaves and crown height
- Focus: Leaf area is essentialโthese leaves fuel curd development later via photosynthesis
- Fertiliser: Feed every 7โ10 days with NPK 20-20-20 to promote strong foliage and root mass
4. Curd Initiation (Week 8โ10)
- Trigger: Begins when plant has at least 20 mature leaves and temperatures remain stable
- Visual Sign: A small white cluster appears at the centreโthis is the beginning of the cauliflower head (curd)
- Fertiliser Shift: Switch to NPK 4-18-38 + CaMg to enhance curd density, calcium supply, and flowering energy
5. Curd Maturity & Blanching (Week 10โ13)
- Growth: The curd expands, tightens, and becomes harvest-ready
- Blanching Tip: If growing white cauliflower, gently fold outer leaves over the curd to shade it from the sun and prevent yellowing
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist to prevent splitting or discolouration
6. Harvest Stage (Week 12โ14)
- Timing: Harvest when the curd is 15โ20 cm wide, firm, and tightly packed
- Don’t Wait: Delayed harvest can lead to separation (bolting) or curd turning soft or grainy
- Cut: Use a sharp knife to cut the stalk below the head with several leaves intact
Heads up: If the central stalk begins to elongate before the curd fully forms, your plant is boltingโthis is irreversible and usually caused by heat stress or drought.


Stage-by-Stage Fertilising & Troubleshooting Tips
Early Stage (SeedlingโWeek 4)
- Fertilise lightly with NPK 20-20-20 to build strong foliage and compact roots
- Too much nitrogen early can cause leggy, weak seedlingsโuse only diluted feed
Vegetative Stage (Week 4โ8)
- Apply 20-20-20 every 7 days to push leaf and crown size
- Watch for magnesium or calcium deficiencies (leaf mottling or curl)
Curd Stage (Week 8+)
- Switch to 4-18-38 + CaMg weekly for curd development
- This high potassium and calcium blend prevents hollow heads and blossom end rot-like symptoms in cauliflower
Common Growth Stage Issues
- Loose curds: Caused by inconsistent watering or excessive nitrogen at curd stage
- Bolting: Caused by heat or cold shock before the curd finishes forming
- Yellow curds: Result of sunlight exposureโuse blanching method to keep heads white
Supporting each stage of cauliflower growth with correct nutrition, watering, and temperature management ensures compact, high-quality curds ready for market or kitchen. Regular feeding and close monitoring during the final 4 weeks will determine your final yield.
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