Crop type: Cauliflowers
Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) ‘Nautilus’
Common name: Cauliflower ‘Nautilus’
Crop slug: cauliflower
This Allotment Pro editorial draft summarises the cited RHS cultivar profile. Check the source and adjust cultivation decisions for local conditions.RHS cultivar profile
1 - Overview
‘Nautilus’ is an annual, rounded cauliflower with mid-green leaves and pure-white, solid, heavy curds. It crops in summer and autumn. The upright, protective foliage helps its dense heads retain their clean white appearance, giving a generous main-season harvest.
2 - Size
- Ultimate height
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- Ultimate spread
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- Time to ultimate size
- 1 year
The bushy plant stays relatively compact while producing a substantial central head.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Chalk, clay, loam and sand
- Moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Soil pH
- Neutral or alkaline
Enrich and firm the soil before planting, then avoid interruptions to growth by watering regularly.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun
- Aspect
- South- or west-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- Hardiness
- H3 — hardy in coastal and relatively mild UK locations
Use a sunny, sheltered site and time sowings so heads mature through the warmer summer and autumn cropping period.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
No seasonal colour values are assigned. The main contrast comes from the pure-white, solid curd surrounded by upright mid-green leaves during summer and autumn.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
- Accepted
- Breeder
- Michael John Day
Genus
Brassica includes upright annual, biennial and perennial plants with alternate, often glaucous leaves and cross-shaped flowers. Many members have been bred as food crops.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Water regularly throughout the season so the developing curd is not checked. Firm young plants after transplanting and keep weeds from competing for moisture and nutrients.
Propagation
Propagate by seed, either sown outdoors or started indoors.
Pruning
No pruning is required.
Pests
Plants may be susceptible to birds and caterpillars. Secure fine netting over the crop and inspect foliage regularly for eggs and feeding damage.
Diseases
Plants may be susceptible to club root. Use healthy transplants, rotate brassicas and avoid transferring infected soil between beds.