Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower Seeds (Brassica oleracea)

Single Packet of 200 Seeds

Snowball cauliflower is not only an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, but it is a garden staple as well. It is easy to grow in the cooler months, when other crops have already been harvested and are off to the market. Snowball cauliflower is a hardy plant, a low low-calorie superfood and is also easy to manage. This is a classic American plant that has been known to exist here for about 200 years, however only within the last couple of decades has it become a culinary staple.

It was introduced in America during the 1940's and has continued to be a world-wide favorite ever since. The compact heads are usually harvested at 6 to 8 inches, displaying snow white heads with tightly packed florets. Snowball Y Improved will freeze well making it a top choice as a storable crop.

The Snowball variety of cauliflower is in fact known for its versatility, being used for Spring, Autumn and early Winter production. A word of caution: this plant is a Brassica, and will attract a variety of pests, including pigeons, and certain breeds of moths. A good preventive measure for this breed is to plant under a screen or mesh, eliminating the need for too many insecticides.

These plants make an excellent choice for those on restricted diets. Due to their culinary versatility raw foodists have used cauliflower as a replacement for cooked grains and high carbohydrate foods such as rice and potatoes. The taste of snowball cauliflower goes well with all sorts of foods as it is mild and not as distinct as other varieties such as Purple Sicily.

Sowing The Seed

Cauliflower is a cool weather crop that can be started indoors, or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow in starter pots, 4 to 6 weeks prior to the last frost. If started outdoors in the Spring, sow just before the last frost, or in mid-summer, for a fall harvest. Till your sowing area, removing all unwanted plant life and weeds. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/4” under, in rows measured about 10’ long.

Growing Conditions

Cauliflower will grow in an area that receives full sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. The plants will bolt and go to seed if temperatures are too high. the soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter, but also well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water daily to ensure that the seeds receive enough moisture to germinate properly.

Germination & Growth

Cauliflower seeds typically germinate within 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will grow to about 2 feet tall, spreading about 12 inches wide. They can be spaced 18 inches apart from one another, in rows spaced 24 inches apart. Snowball Y Improved will produce 6 to 8 inch, dense, heavy heads that are hidden within it’s green-silver leaves. A self blanching variety that is ready for harvesting in about 80 days.

Harvesting Purple Cauliflower

Your Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower crops will be ready for harvesting in about 80 days, when the florets turn to a bright white color. Simply cut the crops at the base and store in the fridge, enjoy them raw, or cook them with your favorite veggies.