Clementine

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Clementine cauliflower brings a luminous, creamy-white dome that feels velvety at first glance and turns tender with a gentle, sweet flavor.

The curds are tightly knit and beautifully uniform, holding their shape for a satisfying bite and a clean, refined texture. Grow Clementine for standout fresh-market presence and for showy roasts, gratins, and silky sauces that highlight its delicate character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	40
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Clementine cauliflower’s tightly knit curds behave—roast it or gratin it and it keeps its shape for a clean, creamy bite instead of turning ragged. Its mild sweetness loves butter-and-cheese richness and wakes up fast with a hit of lemon.

Best Uses

shallow-roast for caramelized edges without blowing apart the curd
silky gratin or cream-baked florets where the tight texture holds a clean fork bite
whipped/cheesy purée for a smooth, spoonable side
quick sauté with butter for a refined, low-smoke browning

Flavor Profile

gentle sweetness creamy, velvety curds tightly knit bite that stays intact mild brassica nuttiness

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic butter parmesan cream nutmeg

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease should I watch for when growing Brassica oleracea var. botrytis (clementine), and how do I manage it?

In Brassicaceae crops like this, clubroot is a common problem that causes stunted, yellowing plants and swollen roots. To manage it, avoid planting in the same bed for several years, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and amend with lime only if your soil test indicates low pH (clubroot worsens in acidic soils). Also inspect early for leaf-damaging caterpillars and use row covers over transplants to prevent egg laying.

How often should I water clementine during the main growing phase?

During the main growth and curd development phase (roughly weeks leading up to the 75-day mark), keep soil evenly moist with about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again to prevent problems from waterlogged conditions. Avoid letting plants swing between very dry and very wet, which can reduce curd quality.

How can I tell when clementine is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the curd is fully formed and tight, with heads firm to the touch and no loosening or separation of the florets. For Brassica oleracea var. botrytis grown to about 75 days, check the head daily once it starts to size up because quality drops quickly if it overmatures. Cut the main head with a few inches of stem before the curd starts to open.