How many heads of cauliflower does one plant produce?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.One cauliflower plant will produce one edible head if conditions are right. After my first effort in the garden, I was left wondering why,even with multiple plants,I had only one usable harvest. What was the issue? The problem was heat stress, which can cause the plants to produce ‘buttoning.' This is where the plant would form many little heads instead of one nice dense curd. If you provide the proper care you will reap the proper rewards.
Stressors Causing Buttoning
- Drought: Water less than 1 inch/week
- Temperature swings below 50°F (10°C) or above 75°F (24°C)
- Transplant shock from poorly hardened seedlings
Optimal Growing Conditions
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart for airflow
- Maintain soil pH 6.5-7.2 with lime or sulfur
- Fertilize with balanced 10-10-10 formula every 3 weeks
To halt buttoning, you should water deeply but infrequently, 1-1.5 inches per week. I employed soaker hoses to keep the soil consistently moist during dry spells. Even mulched lightly with straw to help retain soil moisture, which decreased stress on my plants and doubled the head size by harvest.
Ensure you get the most out of each single head's quality. Harvest only when curds reach 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). It is important to check daily. Once the buds loosen you will notice a decline in flavor. I stored heads in perforated bags in the refrigerator with a temperature of 32-36°F (0-2°C). The first head I had of perfect quality lasted three weeks crisp and sweet.
Read the full article: How to Grow Cauliflower: 7 Essential Tips for Success
