I am new to growing cauliflower and I’m not sure if I have left this too long or not long enough. The seed packet has a very different looking flower than what appeared. Should I harvest? Is it not ready yet? Did I do something wrong?

by _stucco

6 Comments

  1. Harvest immediately, I think it’s bolting as the flowers are starting to open.

  2. Redditor2684

    Unfortunately, I think it’s probably too far gone already. It’d probably be in my compost pile.

  3. galaxiexl500

    Yes. I don’t see a thing wrong with it.

  4. Shermiebear

    “Stucco” as the son of a commercial market grower, we ate the “culls” or “scratch n dents” all the time. Once you remove the head, you can take a paring knife or potato peeler to remove some of the purpling. It doesn’t affect the flavor, but some may be put off by the appearance. If you haven’t tried it before, I’d suggest roasting it. Break the curds off and toss in S&P and garlic, roast on a cookie sheet at 400 for 20 minutes. Before serving sprinkle with Parmesan or Pecorino cheese.

  5. mikebrooks008

    If the head is tight and the florets haven’t started to separate or get loose, you’re good to harvest now. If you wait much longer, it could start to flower. Honestly, mine always ended up a bit different than the packet photo too 😂. 

  6. biodiversityrocks

    It tastes the same to me, I get this occasionally too. Idk what it is but it’s just as good and looks pretty.