Graffiti

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

A living splash of color for the garden—Graffiti cauliflower forms tight, medium-large heads with vivid, graffiti-like purple and creamy white marbling that feels almost luminous against the foliage.

The curds are fine-textured and pleasantly firm, with a mild, sweet brassica flavor that shines whether you’re enjoying it fresh or roasting it until tender. Grow Graffiti for standout visual appeal and a versatile cauliflower head that makes every planting look like a masterpiece at harvest.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 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 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Graffiti cauliflower has firm, fine curds that stay sculptural through roasting, turning mostly buttery and lightly nutty instead of going sulfur-sour. The purple-and-white marbling is cosmetic, but the real win is how well it holds texture in hot, dry heat—gratin or browned florets are where it shows off.

Best Uses

high-heat roasting to deepen caramelized edges without turning mushy
quick pickling or quick-caramelized cauliflower florets for a tangy-sweet bite
steamed-then-browned cauliflower ‘steaks’ where firmness matters
creamy gratin base that lets the curds hold their shape

Flavor Profile

mild sweet brassica flavor fine, pleasantly firm curds gentle nuttiness when browned subtle grassy finish that mellows with heat

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic olive oil butter Parmesan tahini

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Brassica oleracea var. botrytis (graffiti) and how can I address them?

Watch for cabbage worms and aphids, which commonly chew leaves and leave sticky residue; hand-pick early caterpillars and spray affected plants with insecticidal soap, reapplying every 5–7 days until activity stops. For disease, cauliflower-type Brassica (including this type) is prone to black rot and clubroot in cool, wet conditions; remove infected leaves immediately, avoid overhead watering, and don’t plant in the same soil more than once in several years.

How often should I water graffiti (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) during the main growing phase?

Keep the root zone consistently moist from transplanting through head development, aiming for about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week total, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply so moisture reaches 6–8 inches down, but let the top inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to reduce disease pressure.

How do I tell when graffiti (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the curd/head is fully formed and firm, with tight florets and no visible gapping; heads usually mature around 70 days. If the head begins to loosen or look grainy, pick immediately because quality drops quickly and it can start to bolt.