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Cauliflower - Snowball Improved

SKU: CW24206A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
Unavailable
per item
Approximately 250-315 seeds per gram.
Brassica oleracea
Lot# CW24206
Snowball Improved Cauliflower is a biennial that is an early maturing, snow white, high quality cauliflower.  It is known for vigorous, rapid growth and long harvest.  Its head is snow-white and measures 12-20 cm, (5-8") inches across.  It grows on 45-61 cm (18-24") sturdy plants.  The curds are smooth, tasty, snow white and dense.  Snowball Improved is a self -blanching variety whose are silvery-green leaves offer excellent protection as the leaves curl around heads protecting them from sun.
Planting Instructions:
  • Start seeds indoors from early March to mid-June, 4 to 6 weeks before last frost in your area.  Sow seeds 5 mm (¼”) deep and cover lightly with soil medium and water thoroughly.  Once seeds have sprouted be sure to keep soil lightly moist. Cauliflower seedlings should have at least 2 sets of true leaves before transplanting.  Space transplants 45-61 cm (18-24") apart in rows 60-91 cm (24-36") apart. Site them in full sun in a rich, moist, well-drained soil.  Direct seeding can be done when temperatures are reliably above 10°C (50°F) and after last frost.  Overwintered types are started in July and transplanted by August 15th. Optimal soil temperature: 10-30°C (50-85°F).
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.6-7.5..
  • Planting Depth:   5-12 mm (¼-½") deep. Space transplants 30-38 cm (12-15") apart in rows 60-91 cm (24-36") apart.  
  • Germination:  8- 21 days.
  • Height at Maturity: 30-45 cm (12-18”) tall.  Spread is about 25-30 cm (10-12”). 
  • Days to Maturity:   70-80 days for maturity 
  • Watering:    Cauliflower requires a regular supply of water. At least 2.5-4 cm (1-1½”) of water a week ensures good growth, whether they are grown in single or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week will help supplement how much you should water your garden.   
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun     
  • Spacing after Thinning:  Space transplants 30-38 cm (12-15") apart in rows 60-91 cm (24-36") apart.
Additional Information
When the head begins to form or shows 5-7 cm (2-3”) of white curd at the growing point, it is ready to blanch. Tie the outer leaves together over the center of the plant to protect the head from sunburn and to keep it from turning green and developing an off-flavor. The variety Self-Blanch is named for its natural tendency to curl its' leaves over its' head. Several other varieties possess this trait, especially when maturing in the fall. Under cool conditions, these varieties blanch very well and tying is unnecessary.

The cauliflower heads' curd develops rapidly under proper growing conditions. It grows 15-20 cm (6-8") in diameter and is ready to harvest within 7 to 12 days after blanching begins. The mature heads should be compact, firm and white. Harvest the heads by cutting the main stem. Leave a few green outer leaves attached to protect the heads. Cut the heads before they become over mature and develop a coarse, appearance. Once individual florets can be seen, quality deteriorates rapidly. Because cauliflower does not ordinarily develop side shoots, plants may be disposed of or composted after heads are harvested.