Brassica oleracea 'Cheddar', Cheddar Cauliflower
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Vegetables

Brassica oleracea 'Cheddar'

Cheddar Cauliflower

BrassicaceaeMediterranean

At a Glance

Typevegetable
Habitupright
Foliagedeciduous
Height18-24 inches
Width18-24 inches
Maturity0.25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Cheddar' is a distinctive cauliflower cultivar prized for its vibrant orange-yellow heads that develop their characteristic color naturally without blanching. This cool-season vegetable forms compact, dense curds with a striking cheddar cheese-like hue that intensifies as the head matures. The plant develops a sturdy central stem surrounded by large, blue-green leaves that help protect the developing head. The orange coloration comes from high levels of beta-carotene, making Brassica oleracea 'Cheddar' not only visually appealing but also more nutritious than traditional white cauliflower varieties. The heads typically reach 6-8 inches in diameter and maintain their color even when cooked. The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, similar to white cauliflower but with a subtle nutty undertone that complements the visual appeal.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea is native to the Mediterranean region and western Europe, particularly coastal areas of Spain, France, and the British Isles. Wild forms can still be found growing on sea cliffs and rocky shores along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

Suggested Uses

Brassica oleracea 'Cheddar' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers. The colorful heads make excellent additions to fall harvest displays and farmers market stands. Use fresh in salads, roasted vegetable dishes, or any recipe calling for cauliflower where the orange color adds visual interest. The high beta-carotene content makes it particularly valuable for nutritious family meals.

How to Identify

Brassica oleracea 'Cheddar' can be identified by its distinctive orange-yellow cauliflower heads that develop naturally without blanching. The plant has the typical brassica structure with thick, blue-green outer leaves surrounding a central head, but the vibrant cheddar-colored curd is the key identifying feature. Unlike white cauliflower that may yellow from sun exposure, the orange color in 'Cheddar' is uniform and intentional, deepening as the head matures.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

orange
yellow

Foliage Colors

blue
green

Bloom Information

harvested before flowering

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

orange-yellow curd

Foliage Description

blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 months

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Brassica oleracea 'Cheddar' requires consistent moisture and cool temperatures for optimal head development. Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, providing about 1-1.5 inches per week including rainfall. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer 3 weeks after transplanting. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Unlike white cauliflower, 'Cheddar' does not require blanching as the orange color develops naturally and is desirable. Monitor for common brassica pests like cabbage worms and aphids, and provide protection from extreme heat which can cause the heads to bolt prematurely.

Pruning

Brassica oleracea 'Cheddar' requires minimal pruning during the growing season. Remove any yellowing or damaged outer leaves to maintain plant health and air circulation. Do not tie or bunch the leaves over the developing head as the orange color is meant to be exposed to sunlight. Harvest the entire head when it reaches full size and the curds are still tight and compact, cutting the stem about 6 inches below the head.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Brassica oleracea 'Cheddar' is non-toxic and safe for human consumption. All parts of the plant are edible when properly prepared, though the leaves and stems are typically composted while the head is harvested for food. Generally safe around pets, though large quantities of raw brassicas may cause digestive upset in some animals.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring, 2-4 weeks before last frost

Days to Maturity

58–68 days

Plant Spacing

18 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

broccoli
brussels sprouts
cabbage
kale
lettuce
spinach
onions
garlic
herbs

Avoid Planting With

tomatoes
peppers
strawberries
pole beans