Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower Guide

TO SOW

Cauliflowers grow best in cooler weather between 40°F-80°F. They do great in containers and small gardens. Bank on Seeds recommends transplanting.

If Direct Seeding

• Direct seed outside after the last frost date; or
• Direct seed into a container 10-12 inches deep and wide anytime of the year. It can be placed outside when the temperature is between 45°F-80°F; or

If Transplanting

Start the cauliflower seeds indoors in trays or pods 6 weeks before the last frost date. Germination is best and fastest between 75°F-85°F. It can be transplanted outside 6 weeks later.

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 18 inches apart with rows spaced 30-36 inches apart. Germination will take 6-10 days. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart when they start competing for space.

TO GROW

Snowball Y Improved cauliflowers likes well-draining, very fertile soil with lots of compost and organic matter. They are not very heat or cold tolerant and will need more attention. Water consistently and thoroughly to keep the soil lightly moist, not soggy. Check the top 1-2 inches of soil and do not let it dry out completely. Make sure to water at the base and not from above to prevent rot or disease.

Adding a layer of mulch helps in maintaining a moist soil and preventing weed growth. Compost should be used above fertilizer but 20-20-20 or 20-10-10 fertilizer is also good for cauliflower.

TO REAP

Snowball Y Improved develops in 70-80 days. Carefully cut the heads off the cauliflower with a large knife when it reaches 6-8 inches across. Leave some of the leaves around it to protect it while storing.

PESTS/DISEASES

Aphids, black rot, powdery mildew, thrips, rust – insecticidal soap, neem oil, organic pesticide, manual picking, keep free of weeds and debris, rotate crop, do not water from above the foliage

*Companion plant Snowball Y Improved cauliflower with spinach, celery, and beans. Avoid planting with strawberries and peas.*