The Cauliflower Snowball ( Brassica oleracea ) is an heirloom variety; that has great flavour and is one of the most reliable to grow. It has large, tight leaves that cover around the head quite well and some say are self-blanching. This variety is downy mildew resistant; high yielding and gets its name from its lovely white heads.
Cauliflowers are highly nutritious and have many health benefits; they are a source of vitamin K, calcium, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, folate, dietary fibre, and potassium among other nutritional bonuses. They also have health benefits for circulation, digestion, strong bones, brain health and as a cancer fighting food!
For another variety of Cauliflower check out our pages on Purple Sicily and All Year.
Growth
The plant grows up to around 40 cm’s tall and 50 cm’s wide, the cauliflower itself grows to 15-17 cm’s in diameter. This is one of the best types for warm climates and still tolerates temperatures down to -10°C.
Moist; well-draining soil; that is rich in nutrients is necessary for good head development. An organic chicken manure can be a great additive for your soil. Ph monitoring is important with Cauliflowers, they can be sensitive to boron deficiencies and prefer slightly acidic-neutral, this can be amended by adding agricultural lime. Cauliflower Snowball is ready to harvest between 70-90 days dependent on conditions. Cauliflower can be grown in containers / pots.
We always recommend that you grow your food organically, so when fertilising or trying to keep pests under control; keep in mind that there are organic options. Your body and family will thank you!
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-14 to 34°C / 14 to 93°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining. Cauliflowers grow best in compost rich soils with chicken manure & some agricultural lime, they are heavy feeders.
LOCATION:
Full sun will tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 40 cm’s (16 foot)
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm’s (20 inch)
pH:
6.0-6.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual for Harvest; Biennial for Seed
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees; required to produce seed.
MATURITY:
Average 70-90 days
GERMINATION RATES:
94%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 10-23°C / 50-75°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 340
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT BRASSICA OLERACEA (Cauliflower)
Cauliflowers are part of the Brassica Genus and are related to cabbage; turnips; broccoli; and brussels sprout.
Cauliflowers were introduced to Europe in the 15th century from the Mediterranean regions.
For use all year round; cauliflower can be frozen.
