Top 20 Varieties of Cauliflower to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Cauliflower is a cool-season crop prized for its creamy, white florets and versatility in the kitchen. It can be steamed, roasted, grilled, or mashed as a low-carb substitute for potatoes or rice. Cauliflower comes in a variety of colors and shapes, from classic white to vibrant purple, orange, and even green varieties. Growing cauliflower requires consistent care, particularly in managing temperatures and moisture levels, but the reward is a rich harvest of nutrient-dense vegetables. Here’s your guide to the top 20 cauliflower varieties to grow, with helpful tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Cauliflower Varieties to Grow

1. Snowball

Tips: Snowball grows best in full sun and cool temperatures. Provide consistent watering to prevent the heads from becoming tough.
Facts: This classic variety produces medium-sized, smooth white heads with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 65-75 days and is perfect for fresh eating or freezing.

2. Graffiti

Tips: Graffiti thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage even head development.
Facts: This stunning purple variety produces colorful heads with a mild, nutty flavor. It retains its color when cooked and is great for adding a pop of color to dishes.

3. Cheddar

Tips: Cheddar prefers full sun and cool weather. Mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
Facts: Known for its bright orange color, Cheddar cauliflower has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and is high in beta-carotene. It’s perfect for roasting or mashing.

4. Romanesco

Tips: Romanesco thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to ensure the heads develop properly.
Facts: This unique variety produces lime-green, fractal-shaped heads with a mild, nutty flavor. It’s great for roasting, steaming, or adding to salads.

5. Purple Cape

Tips: Purple Cape grows best in cool weather and full sun. Water regularly to prevent the heads from becoming tough.
Facts: This variety produces deep purple heads that turn green when cooked. It has a sweet, mild flavor and is perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

6. Amazing

Tips: Amazing cauliflower prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the heads tender.
Facts: This early-maturing variety produces large, pure white heads with a smooth texture and sweet flavor. It’s ideal for fresh eating or freezing.

7. Veronica

Tips: Veronica grows well in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure even head development.
Facts: This Romanesco-type variety produces light green, spiraled heads with a nutty flavor. It’s great for fresh salads or roasting.

8. Snow Crown

Tips: Snow Crown thrives in cool weather and full sun. Provide regular watering to keep the heads firm and tender.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces large, smooth white heads with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures quickly in about 50-60 days, making it perfect for early-season harvests.

9. Violet Queen

Tips: Violet Queen grows best in full sun and rich soil. Water consistently and mulch to keep the soil cool.
Facts: This beautiful variety produces vibrant purple heads with a sweet, mild flavor. It turns green when cooked and is perfect for adding color to dishes.

10. Fioretto 60

Tips: Fioretto 60 prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the stems tender and sweet.
Facts: This unique variety produces small, delicate florets with long, edible stems. It has a mild, sweet flavor and is great for stir-fries or salads.

11. Bishop

Tips: Bishop cauliflower grows well in cool weather and full sun. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces uniform, pure white heads with a smooth texture and sweet flavor. It matures in about 70 days and is perfect for fresh eating or freezing.

12. Green Macerata

Tips: Green Macerata thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure even head development.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces light green heads with a tender texture and mild, nutty flavor. It’s great for roasting, steaming, or adding to salads.

13. Sicilian Violet

Tips: Sicilian Violet prefers cool weather and full sun. Water consistently to keep the heads tender and firm.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces large, deep purple heads with a mild, sweet flavor. It retains its vibrant color when cooked and is perfect for adding color to dishes.

14. Flame Star

Tips: Flame Star grows best in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water regularly to prevent the heads from becoming tough.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces bright orange heads with a smooth texture and sweet, nutty flavor. It matures in about 65 days and is great for roasting or steaming.

15. Candid Charm

Tips: Candid Charm thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently and mulch to keep the soil cool.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces large, smooth white heads with a tender texture and mild flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

16. Snowball Y

Tips: Snowball Y grows well in cool weather and full sun. Provide regular watering to keep the heads firm and tender.
Facts: This early-maturing variety produces medium-sized, smooth white heads with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating or freezing.

17. Orkney

Tips: Orkney thrives in cool weather and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure even head development.
Facts: This cold-hardy variety produces large, white heads with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for winter or early spring harvests.

18. Early White

Tips: Early White prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent the heads from becoming tough.
Facts: This early-maturing variety produces smooth, white heads with a mild flavor. It’s perfect for early-season harvesting and fresh eating.

19. Twister

Tips: Twister grows well in full sun and fertile soil. Water regularly to ensure the heads develop properly.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces smooth, white heads with self-wrapping leaves that protect the florets. It’s great for fresh eating, roasting, or freezing.

20. Macarena

Tips: Macarena prefers cool weather and full sun. Mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces uniform, bright white heads with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s ideal for fresh eating, freezing, or cooking.

Common Questions About Growing Cauliflower

Q: When should I plant cauliflower?
A: Cauliflower is a cool-season crop and should be planted in early spring or late summer for fall harvests. The ideal temperature range for growing cauliflower is between 60-70°F (15-21°C).

Q: Can I grow cauliflower in containers?
A: Yes, cauliflower can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 12-18 inches deep and wide, with good drainage. Choose compact varieties like ‘Fioretto 60’ or ‘Snowball Y’ for the best results.

Q: How long does cauliflower take to grow?
A: Cauliflower typically takes 60-100 days to mature, depending on the variety. Early-maturing varieties may be ready in as little as 50-60 days, while larger or late-maturing types may take longer.

Q: How do I know when cauliflower is ready to harvest?
A: Cauliflower is ready to harvest when the heads are firm, compact, and about 6-8 inches in diameter. The heads should be white (or the appropriate color for the variety) and tight, with no gaps or separation.

Q: How do I store harvested cauliflower?
A: Freshly harvested cauliflower can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, cauliflower can be blanched and frozen, which will keep it fresh for several months.