Cauliflower can be grown in containers from seeds. Like most cruciferous vegetables, cauliflower loves cooler weather, and you can start growing it about 10 weeks before the expected first frost. A potted cauliflower will become the “cherry on top” of your home garden by the end of the season. While you might not grow enough cauliflower on your balcony to feed your entire family, that’s not really the goal, is it? The goal is to enjoy gardening on your windowsill to the fullest!
Cauliflower in Containers
Starting with seed germination:
- The ideal temperature for sprouting healthy cauliflower seedlings is between 15°C and 20°C.
- Seedlings are not picky about soil during this stage; the important factor is the pH (6.5-7). Fill small pots with soil and plant 4 seeds at a depth of about 1 cm. Use a cover or dome if the temperature is below 15°C.
- The soil should always be moist but not too wet. Use a spray bottle to moisten the surface, as it helps you control soil moisture better.
- The seeds should germinate and grow their first 4-5 leaves in a sunny spot. Once they reach a height of 5 cm, they can be transplanted into permanent containers.
Growing cauliflower:
- The diameter of the pot should be at least 30 cm per plant, with a depth of at least 20 cm. Drainage holes are a must. You can also grow vegetables in heavy-duty trash bags as they allow the roots to breathe, though you’ll need to be more attentive to watering.
- The soil should be loose, well-drained, enriched with perlite and vermiculite, and slightly clayish. Regular garden soil is not ideal, but you can mix it with peat and coconut coir, along with perlite. Standard soil tends to compact in pots, causing root rot.
- Cauliflower needs up to 6 hours of sunlight per day. It cannot tolerate drought, so ensure constant light soil moisture. Forming the cauliflower heads requires a lot of water.
Caring for Cauliflower
- When the head (florets) reaches a diameter of 5-8 cm, the surrounding leaves should be lifted and tied above the head to protect it from drying out in the sun and to keep it white and flavorful.
- Cauliflower loves compost-based fertilizers, humus, and well-rotted manure.
- You can mulch the plant to retain moisture at the surface. Home-friendly mulching options include used coffee grounds or straw. Mulching on open balconies can help protect the roots during early frosts.
Harvesting Cauliflower
Cauliflower produces consistently, and about 3 months after planting, you’ll be harvesting your first heads—15 cm or more in diameter. The head should be cut off from above, leaving as many leaves on the plant as possible.
