Sun King

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

Sun King cauliflower arrives with a radiant, golden presence—heads that hold their color beautifully and feel luxuriously dense when you lift them.

The curd is smooth and fine-grained, with a gentle snap and a sweet, mellow flavor that shines whether you enjoy it fresh or turn it into a silky sauce. Grow Sun King for a standout harvest at about 75 days, and let its sunny form brighten every garden bed and platter.

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)	85
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Sun King’s dense, fine curd turns silky fast—great for purées and sauces that stay smooth instead of gritty. When you roast or steam it, the flavor reads sweet and clean with a gentle snap, so it holds up under strong seasoning and doesn’t slip into bitterness.

Best Uses

steaming or quick-simmering for a clean, sweet bite
roasting on high heat for browned edges while keeping the interior plush
blending into a smooth cauliflower velouté or sauce base
raw florets shaved thin for a crisp salad texture

Flavor Profile

sweet, mellow brassica flavor fine-grained, silky curd gentle snap with tender chew bright, clean taste that doesn’t taste bitter

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil butter smoked paprika parmesan chickpeas

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. botrytis (cauliflower) and how do I manage it in my garden?

Watch for clubroot and downy mildew, which are common in cool-to-mild, damp conditions and can cause wilting, yellowing, and distorted heads. Improve drainage and avoid planting in the same spot for 3–4 years; if you’ve had clubroot before, use labeled soil amendments that raise soil pH. For downy mildew, keep foliage as dry as possible (water at the soil line) and remove any badly affected leaves to reduce spread.

How often should I water my cauliflower during the main growing phase (from head formation onward)?

During head formation, keep the root zone consistently moist—about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week depending on heat and soil—without letting the soil turn soggy. Water deeply, then allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again, since cauliflower needs steady moisture to form dense heads. Mulch around plants to reduce moisture swings that can lead to loose curds or head separation.

How can I tell when Brassica oleracea var. botrytis ‘Sun King’ cauliflower is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the curds are firm and the head is fully filled out, typically around 75 days from transplanting or early growth depending on your start. The head should feel solid when gently squeezed, with tight, even curd texture and no visible yellowing or loosening. If the curd starts to separate or shows yellow flowers through the surface, harvest immediately.