Growing Non-GMO Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower Vegetable Seeds
How to Grow Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower from Seed
Cauliflower seeds are a temperamental and challenging cool season favorite best planted in early spring or fall. Begin indoors 4-6 weeks prior to final spring frost or 6-8 weeks before first autumn frost. Plant 2-3 seeds 1/2" deep per cell or 3-4" apart in the garden in Organic, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Cauliflower seeds germinate in 4-10 days, transplanting or thinning out outdoor starts 18-24" apart in the garden as true leaves establish. Although some varieties are self-blanching, cauliflower is not naturally white and requires a labor-intensive effort to achieve the familiar white heads. Cauliflower thrives from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Snowball Y Improved is a self-blanching variety of cauliflower.
Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower in the Vegetable Garden
Cauliflower is one of the more challenging Brassicas in the home garden because it does not perform well in either hot or cold climates, yet excels in moderate regions with full sun. Although cauliflower heads (curds) are thought to be white, they naturally develop green or purple and only become white through a labor-intensive process called "blanching" in which the outer leaves are bound together to keep the young heads from developing color from sun exposure.
Rapid and vigorous growth qualifies it as excellent for farmers" markets and specialized growers. It's high in Vitamin C, calcium, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, but low in calories. Planting with celery will protect against moths. The most desirable soil condition is rich in nutrients for reaping the finest quality cauliflower.
Harvesting Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower
Similar to cabbage, cauliflower is ready to harvest when compact, firm, and has reached the desired color. Use a harvesting knife to gently cut the head loose from the stem and base, while leaving the large surrounding leaves intact to the head. It is natural for some heads to develop undersize and underweight, yet still fully mature in color. Harvest these smaller heads sooner because they will not increase in size.
About Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower Seeds
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis. (70-80 Days)
Snowball Y improved was Introduced by Ferry-Morse Seed Company in 1947 It was developed from "Snowball" cauliflower which can be documented as early as 1884.
Tasty snow white 6", dense, heavy, heads are tucked away amongst silvery-green leaves.
A self blanching variety as the leaves curl around heads protecting them from sun. Excellent for home or market use. Well adapted to short season areas.
Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower is Recommended by the Following State Universities or Ag Extension Offices as a variety that performs well for their region. CA, FL, IL, OR, TX
Recommended by USU and is well adapted for short season areas. Pure white Snowball Cauliflower is celebrated in the kitchen in multiple cuisines: pickled, roasted, pizza crusts, riced, pureed, and mashed in place of conventional mashed potatoes.
