Some plants may produce heads prematurely on relatively small plants. It is caused by any type of stress that interrupts the plants growth. It often occurs when large transplants, or those crowded in cell packs and flats, are planted into the garden. Setting cauliflower plants outdoors when temperatures are still cold may also be a problem. In young cauliflower plants, there is a fine balance between vegetative and reproductive growth.
Any stress tips the balance toward button formation.
Success with growing cauliflower begins with selecting a variety that performs well in Iowa. Varieties that require a growing season of 50 days or more are recommended. Snowcrown' hybrid, which matures in 60 days, is an excellent variety for home gardens. Cauliflower is usually set out as transplants that were started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting. Cauliflower transplants are easy to grow.