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General cauliflower calendar

London, United Kingdom · 51.51°

When to plant cauliflower in London

The London dates are calculated from the observed last spring frost — a 2016–2025 mean of 6 April — rather than from a latitude estimate or a national calendar. The frost-free season here averages 228 days.

Season anchorobserved 2016–2025

Last spring frost: 6 April · latest 30 Apr

First autumn frost: 20 November · earliest 1 Nov

Frost-free season: 228 days · 10 complete years

These come from the ERA5 reanalysis on a roughly 9 km grid, so they describe the area rather than your plot. A hollow, a frost pocket or an exposed site regularly runs several degrees colder, so use the cautious date for a decision you cannot undo.

Frost date estimator

Local calendar windows

Sow indoors16 February – 9 March12 March – 2 April
Plant out30 March – 11 May23 April – 4 June
Approximate harvest5 July – 14 August29 July – 7 September

The cautious column is calculated from the latest frost recorded in the period (30 Apr). Use it for tender crops you cannot re-sow.

The year in London

What can move the date

The fussiest brassica: it wants rich, firm, evenly moist soil and will not forgive a dry fortnight. Snap a couple of outer leaves over the curd to keep it white.

Final spacing: 60 × 70 cm. Soil: pH 6.5–7.5.

Direct-sow only once the soil holds 7°C or more — soil temperature decides germination, not the date.

Problems in London

Each has its locally favourable conditions counted month by month, from the weather archive for this city.

Full guide: cauliflower diseases and pests →

The same crop elsewhere