Cauliflowers, a traditional component of British Sunday roasts, may become increasingly difficult to cultivate in home gardens across England due to rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The horticultural charity is advising gardeners to reconsider planting cauliflowers and other brassicas at home as climate changes continue to impact crop viability.

This summer marked the hottest on record for the United Kingdom since 1884, with provisional data from the Met Office recording temperatures reaching 38.1°C (100.6°F) at Kew Gardens in London on August 13. June had already been identified as the hottest month in UK history. Scientists attribute these unprecedented heatwaves primarily to the climate crisis driven by fossil fuel emissions. The extreme weather has significantly affected the production of brassicas, including broccoli and cabbages, with farmers warning that this year may see one of the worst harvests on record.

The RHS highlighted that cauliflowers and cabbages are particularly vulnerable because they require consistent moisture and cooler conditions to develop properly. High temperatures and drought stress cause these vegetables to fail in forming well-developed heads, leading to poor yields. "Cauliflowers and their brassica cousins have been the hardest hit of those commonly found in domestic veg patches," said Guy Barter, the RHS chief horticulturist. He suggested gardeners consider growing other brassicas such as cabbages and Brussels sprouts, which may be more resilient. Some have also shifted to cultivating kale, which, due to its perennial nature and deeper roots, is better equipped to withstand dry conditions.

Simone Bratt, who manages the kitchen gardens at RHS Bridgewater, noted that she has not grown cauliflower for several years. She characterized growth as “very hit and miss” under extreme weather, emphasizing the plant’s high water needs and preference for cooler temperatures. “They simply haven’t been able to cope with the severity of the conditions,” she said.

The RHS’s guidance reflects a broader trend of adapting home and commercial gardening practices to a changing climate, emphasizing the need for selecting crops that can thrive under warmer and drier conditions. As England’s climate continues to evolve, traditional vegetables like cauliflower may become less common in both gardens and on dinner tables.