Soil Fertility Needs For Growing Cauliflower

Cauliflower and other brassicas are moderate to heavy feeders, and need sufficient levels of many nutrients, such nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and micronutrients or trace elements. GardenZeus recommends working compost and/or composted manure into soils before planting cauliflower, and growing cauliflower only once every 2 to 4 years in a given bed or garden area to allow the soil to recover between plantings. Brassicas may need surface dressing with compost or composted manure under mulch once or twice during the growing season. A soil test is recommended to determine nutrient levels prior to applying fertilizer.

GardenZeus recommends adding nitrogen in the form of diluted urea or a cup of chicken manure diluted in 4 gallons of water (half cup if fresh manure) and mixed thoroughly after seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall and about once per month thereafter. Adding too much nitrogen may result in rapid growth; lush, high-carbohydrate leaves that attract insect infestation; and ricey curds.

Fish emulsion or seaweed extracts applied as drenches or foliar spray may be beneficial in infertile soils or those lacking micronutrients.

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Other articles of interest:

Advanced Tip: Cauliflower and Companion Planting

Meet the Challenge: Fall Watering in Southern California Gardens