Odysseus Cauliflower is a frost-hardy cultivar bred for reliable harvests across a wide growing range, from zone 3 through zone 9. Maturing in just 70 days, this Brassica produces tight, dense heads ready to harvest at 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Its cold tolerance and relatively quick timeline make it an excellent choice for both spring and fall gardens, particularly in regions where you want a nearly continuous supply of fresh cauliflower from late summer through early spring.
12
Full Sun
Low
3-9
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Odysseus thrives on minimal water once established, asking for full sun and moderately fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The real draw is its speed and hardiness combined: you get mature heads in 70 days, and the plant laughs at light frosts that would trouble less resilient varieties. Its compact spacing needs (just 12 inches between plants, 18 inches between rows) mean you can fit several heads into a modest garden bed, making it particularly rewarding for anyone with limited space.
Odysseus Cauliflower shines steamed and mashed as a nutrient-dense, low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. The florets also work beautifully in curries, roasted vegetable medleys, and pickled preparations. Raw florets have a place on crudité platters or tossed into salads. Because it's an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, it serves equally well as a centerpiece vegetable or a supporting player in health-conscious meals.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors in a warm environment (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) 4 to 6 weeks before your transplant date. Keep seedlings under bright light and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Once true leaves emerge, move seedlings to a cooler growing space (around 55 degrees) to encourage stocky, resilient plants.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before transplanting. Move them to the garden when soil temperatures stabilize and frost risk has passed in spring, or 8 to 10 weeks before your first expected fall frost. Space transplants 12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart, planting them at the same depth they were growing in their containers.
Harvest Odysseus heads when they reach 6 to 8 inches in diameter and feel tight and dense to the touch. Use a clean, sharp knife and cut the head with several surrounding leaves intact; these leaves protect the curds during storage and handling. Remove any heads that have begun to open or feel soft, as overmature florets separate and develop a coarse, ricey appearance. Timing matters: heads that mature unevenly or show signs of opening should come off the plant promptly, even if undersized, to redirect the plant's energy.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.