Seems a bit late for cauliflower to be heading unless you're pretty far north. I harvest my heads in late May to early June here.

If you really need to move it I'd make sure to dig out the root ball at least 6-8" diameter out from the stalk and a foot deep to get as much of the roots as you can.

it been near 100 this weeks where i am ... and 90s next week ... i wouldnt move anything.. anywhere ...

soooooo.. where are you ..

how about some pix ...

how close can they really be ... just harvest every other one early????

ken

If you decide to try anyway, dig the hole where you are moving it to first. Then you can dig the plant and gently lower your (hopefully) large intact root ball into the hole with less disturbance.

I agree with Ken, it is a tough time to be moving plants. If possible, just harvest early to thin the area so others to grow to full size.

Not sure what exactly the situation is, but if the plant isn't too big you could transplant. You want a good rootball, and keep watered. Of course you risk killing the plant, if you think that risk is necessary. Why do you say there isn't enough room? If other plants are outgrowing the cauliflower, that might actually good for summer, full July heat isn't good for cauliflower. Can you remove other plants in August after they are going downhill?

It might actually be a good thing to slow the plant down, so it forms a head after the hottest weather.

after mulling this for a day or two... im wondering what the problem really is ... and if perhaps you are thinking about fixing something that doesnt need to be fixed ...

why cant the plants just deal with it on their own .. and if they can.. just harvest every other one early .. rather than risking killing them outright ... not only threatening those you move.. but doing serious root damage to those you leave ...

maybe a pic would clarify it alll

ken