Snowball Self-Blanching Cauliflower, Organic

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -68 days. Developed by Dr. Homna at MSU. Self-wrapping leaves protect the white curds from heat and sunlight during late summer or early Fall. No tying of the leaves is necessary unless heads grow larger than 6 in. in diameter. During hot weather growth slows until cooler weather, thus preventing formation of undersized heads. 

• Organic
• Great for a fall crop
• Heads grow to 6-7 inches across
• 68 days from transplant
• 2g or ~600 seeds

Instructions

Cauliflowers are cool weather brassicas and should be timed for late spring harvests or fall and winter (mild climates) harvest. They can handle frosty conditions if acclimated before transplanting. Start 4-6 weeks before planting day. In general they can be planted 6 weeks before your average last frost.

Cauliflower prefer well-drained fertile soil that is within the range of 6.0-7.5 pH. A general guideline is 2-3 lbs of 8-16-16 fertilizer over 100 sq ft of the garden area two weeks before planting or 1-2” of compost.  If boron is not present in your soils, consider adding 1 Tbs per 100 sq ft.

• Consider using row covers to protect from pests such as flea beetles and moths. Loose, well-drained fertile soils
• Plant 1/2" deep
• Space plants 18" apart for fresh marketDress with compost every 30-45 days or you can use your favorite fertilizer.

Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability.