Cauliflower Plant Stages: From Seedling to Harvest

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) has a precise and sensitive growth cycle—one 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 plant’s 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: 10–14 weeks from seed to harvest (depending on variety and season)
Ideal Climate: Cool-season crop—best planted in autumn or early spring in most Australian regions
Curd Formation Temperature Range: 15–20°C 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 care—especially fertilisation and watering—vital to success.

Stages of Cauliflower Growth

1. Germination (Week 0–1)

Conditions: Seeds sprout within 5–10 days at 15–20°C
Requirements: Consistent soil moisture and shallow planting (~0.5–1 cm deep)
Tip: Use seed trays or starter cells in cooler areas, then transplant after 3–4 weeks

2. Seedling Stage (Week 1–4)

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 4–6 true leaves and are 10–15 cm tall

3. Vegetative Growth (Week 4–8)

Development: Rapid expansion of broad leaves and crown height
Focus: Leaf area is essential—these leaves fuel curd development later via photosynthesis
Fertiliser: Feed every 7–10 days with NPK 20-20-20 to promote strong foliage and root mass

4. Curd Initiation (Week 8–10)

Trigger: Begins when plant has at least 20 mature leaves and temperatures remain stable
Visual Sign: A small white cluster appears at the centre—this 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 10–13)

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 12–14)

Timing: Harvest when the curd is 15–20 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 bolting—this is irreversible and usually caused by heat stress or drought.

Stage-by-Stage Fertilising & Troubleshooting Tips

Early Stage (Seedling–Week 4)

Fertilise lightly with NPK 20-20-20 to build strong foliage and compact roots
Too much nitrogen early can cause leggy, weak seedlings—use only diluted feed

Vegetative Stage (Week 4–8)

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 exposure—use 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.