From Seed to Supper

Cauliflower Seedlings

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Planting cauliflower seeds in late summer at Community Christian Concern’s Community Garden is all about timing, soil preparation, and adapting to Slidell's unique climate. Late August/ early September sits right at the beginning of the planting window for cauliflower in southern Louisiana, making it the perfect time to start transplants or direct‑sow seeds—provided you manage heat, moisture, and pests carefully.

🌱 Planting Cauliflower Seeds in Late August

In New Orleans’ Zone 8b climate, cauliflower thrives when daytime highs stay below 80°F, and heads form best in the 55–75°F range. Because our temperatures are still in the 90's, we have started ours seeds indoors and will transplant in the garden next month once temperatures begin to ease.

What do you need to know about planting cauliflower seeds in Slidell?

• Start seeds indoors in a cool, well‑lit space to avoid heat stress. Cauliflower seedlings become leggy without strong light.

• Transplant seedlings into the garden between late August and mid‑September, depending on your microclimate. This gives plants time to mature as fall temperatures cool.

• Direct sowing seeds while temperatures are still in the 90's can be problematic, because this is well beyond cauliflowers comfort zone. But, if you really wany to direct sow your seeds consider using shade cloth, mulching heavily, and watering early in the morning to reduce stress.

• Spacing: Plant seedlings 18–24 inches apart in rows about 30 inches apart to allow full head development.

• Soil needs: Cauliflower prefers fertile, well‑drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, amended with compost or aged manure.

• Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist—dry spells cause “buttoning,” where plants form tiny, unusable heads. Aim for steady watering throughout the growing period. Consider installing an irrigation system. It can really make your life easier by providing consistent watering in our hot climate.

• Pest pressure: Cabbage worms and loopers peak June–August in Zone 8b. Inspect leaves regularly and use Bt spray or row covers to protect young plants.

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America Responds with Love Donates Vegetable Seeds to CCC's Community Garden

This organization focuses on providing products and services to people and communities truly in need that are overlooked by others. Because of their generous donation, CCC's Food Pantry will be able to add nutrient dense cauliflower and carrots to its shelves. Thank-you America Responds with Love for helping us to provide healthy alternatives to our neighbors in need.

If you would like to plant cauliflower or carrots, we have seeds to spare. Contact our community garden coordinator, Gina Schuette at gschuetteccc@gmail.com today.

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