Cauliflower Early Snowball

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis ‘Early Snowball’

Characteristics

An heirloom, Early Snowball Cauliflower is a high yielding American standard favorite for over a hundred years. It is prized for its reliability in cool-season gardening and its ability to produce tight, well-protected heads. The “curds” (edible heads) are dense, smooth, and snow-white, typically about 5-6 inches in diameter. No tying of the leaves is necessary unless heads grow larger than 6 in. in diameter. The leaves naturally cover the head, helping to protect it from sunlight and preventing yellowing. Early Snowball cauliflower has a mild, slightly nutty flavor, perfect for steaming, roasting, or using in soups and stews. This cauliflower can be steamed, roasted, boiled, or eaten raw in salads and vegetable platters. It’s also commonly used in soups, casseroles, and even as a substitute for rice or mashed potatoes. Like other cauliflower varieties, it is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious and low-calorie food choice. It’s also relatively easy to grow in a home garden, thriving in cool weather conditions.

Culture

Height: 12-24” Space: 14-18″
Sun Light: Full (at least 6 hours per day)
Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter is ideal for growing cabbage. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Cauliflower does not tolerate drought or waterlogged soil, so regular, even watering is key to producing well-formed heads.
Fertilizer: This is a heavy feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer as the plants start to form heads. Regular feeding helps ensure large, healthy heads.

Pest & Disease Management

Cabbage Worms: Use row covers to prevent cabbage worms, or apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if needed.
Aphids: These pests can cluster on the leaves and heads. Use insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water to remove them.
Clubroot: A soil-borne disease that affects brassicas. Practice crop rotation and maintain soil pH above 7.0 to minimize the risk of clubroot.
Flea Beetles: These small pests create holes in the leaves. Use row covers to prevent them from infesting young plants.

Tips for Growth / Harvest

Blanching: Although Early Snowball Cauliflower is self-blanching, it’s still important to monitor the heads and protect them from sun exposure if needed.
Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist to prevent the heads from becoming small or “buttoning.”
Cool Temperatures: Grow in the cooler parts of the season and protect from heat stress to avoid bolting.
Good Companions: Cauliflower grows well with beets, celery, onions, and herbs like dill and sage.
Bad Companions: Avoid planting near tomatoes or strawberries, which can attract pests that affect cauliflower