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Will cauliflower do anything after you pick the main flower like broccoli or should I just pull the whole plant out when I'm harvesting?

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Cauliflower does not usually develop side shoots, therefore most people will dig up the whole plant after harvesting the heads.

Put the dug up plants in your compost pile, but if there is any sign of disease on the plants dispose of them via other means ie Not via your compost pile.

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Not to over emphasize the particulars, but is there any reason why would you harvest the heads, then dig up the whole plant? Why not just dig up the whole plant, then harvest the heads? – Peter Turner Jul 7 '11 at 15:31
@Peter Turner, cauliflower heads (curds) are fairly delicate, therefore removing them (with a very! sharp knife) from the plant before hand greatly reduces the risk of damaging them... – Mike Perry Jul 7 '11 at 15:37
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FWIW, I've seen advice (in multiple places, but I can't remember where now) regarding composting brassicas that you should never put the roots into the compost because of the risk of disease. – bstpierre Jul 7 '11 at 15:40
@bstpierre, please feel free to edit my answer and add in that good piece of advice (better to be safe than sorry). – Mike Perry Jul 7 '11 at 15:43
I think that's good fodder for another question altogether! I couldn't find the answer on the internets. – Peter Turner Jul 7 '11 at 15:55

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