Why not... I am optimistic! Here's what "The Old Farmer's Almanac" says...
Cauliflower is a sun-loving, cool-season crop to grow in spring and fall. It can be a temperamental plant in the garden because it does not tolerate heat or cold—so it’s not best for beginners unless you like a challenge!
This vegetable’s name comes from the Latin words caulis, for cabbage, and floris, for flower. It’s a descendent of wild cabbage! Though usually white, cauliflower does come in other colors including purple, yellow, and orange. Cauliflower can be a challenge for the beginner gardeners because it requires consistently cool temperatures with temperatures in the 60°Fs. Otherwise, it may prematurely “button”—form small, button-size heads—rather than forming a single, large head.
PLANTING
Soil needs to be very rich in organic matter; mix aged manure and/or compost
Cauliflower also needs extra nutrients. Apply 5-10-10 fertilizer. Fertile soil holds in moisture to prevent heads from “buttoning.”
It is best to start cauliflower from small nursery plants versus sowing seeds.
Plant a fall crop 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost date but after daytime temperatures are regularly below 75°F. Shade plants from heat, if necessary.
Cauliflower dislikes any interruption to its growth. Change, in the form of temperature, moisture, soil nutrition, or insects, can cause the plants to develop a head prematurely or ruin an existing one.
Water regularly with 2 inches of water each week; even with normal rainfall, this usually requires supplemental watering.
For best growth, side-dress the plants with a high-nitrogen fertilizer 3 t o 4 weeks after transplanting.
Note that the cauliflower will start out as a loose head and that it takes time for the head to fully form. Many varieties take at least 75 to 85 days from transplant. Be patient!
When the curd (the white head) is 2 to 3 inches in diameter, blanch it: Tie the outer leaves together over the head and secure with a rubber band, tape, or twine to keep light out. (This is not necessary for self-blanching or colored varieties). The plants are usually ready for harvest 7 to 12 days after blanching.
Brown heads indicate a boron deficiency in the soil. Drench with 1 tablespoon of borax in 1 gallon of water. (Avoid getting boron on other plants.) Or, provide liquid seaweed extract immediately; repeat every 2 weeks until symptoms disappear. In the future, add more compost to the soil.
For white varieties, pink heds can indicate too much sun exposure or temperature fluctuations. Purple hues can be due to stress or low soil fertility.
Plants are usually ready to harvest in about 50 to 100 days, depending on variety, or 7 to 12 days after blanching.
When the heads are compact, white, and firm, then it is time to harvest them. Ideally, the heads will grow to 6 to 8 inches in diameter.
Cut the heads off the plant with a large knife. Be sure to leave some of the leaves around the head to keep it protected.
If the heads are too small, but have already started to open up, they will not improve and should be harvested immediately.
If the cauliflower has a coarse appearance, it is past maturity and should be tossed.
I already feel exhausted just by understanding what it takes to grow cauliflower! No wonder it didn't work last year! Well, I already feel some kind of way, but let's see!
Varieties that I planted: Snowball white, True purple, Yellow. Seeds sown on 9/17/2020. Pictures are taken on 10/1/2020.