Brassica oleracea var. botrytis 'Snowball Y'
vegetableSnowball is the standard white cauliflower, forming a firm, domed head of tight, snow-white curds six to eight inches across with a mild, sweet flavor. A cool-season brassica maturing in about 65 to 80 days, the Snowball Y strain has leaves that curl over the head to help shade it, and cauliflower is the most weather-sensitive of the cabbage family, demanding cool, steady conditions.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 2 days
Harvest
~75 days
Difficulty
medium
Lifecycle
biennial
Leaves year 1, flowers year 2
Spacing
18-24 in. apart
Planting Depth
1/4-1/2 in.
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At transplant, then every 3-4 weeks
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10, steady nitrogen
Start seed indoors and transplant for a crop that matures in cool weather, since heat and stress make the heads loose and ricey, giving full sun, rich soil, and constant, even moisture so growth never checks. When the curd reaches a couple of inches across, blanch white varieties by tying the outer leaves up over the head to shield it from sun, unless the variety is self-blanching.
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Mar 4
Transplant outdoors
Apr 1
Projected first harvest
Jun 15
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jun 16
Transplant outdoors
Jul 21
Projected first harvest
Oct 4
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Exclude the cabbage white butterfly with row cover; hand-pick caterpillars; use Bt
Encourage hoverflies and ladybugs with nearby flowers; rinse off colonies
Row cover seedlings
Cut the head while the curds are still compact, smooth, and white, usually a week or two after blanching, before they loosen and separate. Once a head starts to open or turn ricey it is past its prime, so check frequently as harvest nears.
Cauliflower is low in calories and a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, with fiber and the glucosinolate compounds common to cruciferous vegetables, and it has become popular as a low-carb substitute for rice and potatoes.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
spring planting
fall planting