How to Grow Cauliflower in New Zealand
Fussier than its brassica cousins and needs steady moisture and cooler weather to curd up well. Plant from late summer into autumn in the north and cover against white butterfly.
When to plant cauliflower in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, August, September |
| Auckland | January, February, March, August, September |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, August, September |
| Wellington | January, February, March, August, September |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, August, September |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, August, September |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, August, September |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, August, September |
Best cauliflower varieties for NZ
- Snowball — Classic white round-headed cauliflower, the dependable home variety. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Violet Sicilian — Striking purple heads that hold colour, mild and sweet. (Kings Seeds)
- All Year Round — Flexible white type that can be sown across a long season. (Egmont Seeds, Yates NZ)
How to grow cauliflower
- Space plants about 55cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 100 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 8 days.
Companion planting
Grow cauliflower near: Beetroot, Celery, Onion, Dill, Rosemary, Sage, Chamomile.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Aphids, Diamondback moth. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Cauliflower plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant cauliflower in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, August, September. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy cauliflower seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Yates NZ.