Key Growing Requirements
- Climate: Cauliflower grows best in cool weather with average temperatures between 57°F and 68°F (14°C to 20°C). They are sensitive to heat, which can cause "buttoning" (stunted heads) or premature flowering.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial sun.
- Soil: Very fertile, well-drained, and consistently moist soil, enriched with plenty of compost or organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal.
- Watering: Requires consistent moisture. Provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, making sure not to let the soil dry out completely. Water at the base of the plant to prevent rot or disease.
Planting and Care
- Sowing: Start seeds indoors in peat pots 6 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost to avoid disturbing the roots later. Sow seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
- Transplanting: Gradually harden off seedlings by exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing durations over several days. Transplant them into the garden about 2 weeks before the last expected spring frost, spacing them 15 to 18 inches apart.
- Mulching: Use a layer of organic mulch to help retain soil moisture, keep the roots cool, and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Add compost to the soil before planting. A side-dress application of a high-nitrogen fertilizer may be beneficial once plants are established.
- Blanching: "Snowball" varieties are often self-blanching, but if the head is exposed to direct sunlight, bend the large outer leaves over the developing curd and secure them with twine or a rubber band to keep it white.
Harvesting
- Timing: The heads are usually ready for harvest 70 to 80 days after sowing.
- Method: Harvest the heads when they are 6 to 12 inches in diameter, while the tiny buds still feel firm and tight.
- Technique: Cut the head off with a sharp knife, leaving a few wrapper leaves attached to protect it during storage.
Cauliflower Snowball 1/16 oz Pack
Regular price
$2.75
Pickup available at Prattville Farm Center
Usually ready in 1 hour
Cauliflower Snowball 1/16 oz Pack
-
Prattville Farm Center
Pickup availableUsually ready in 1 hour
1154 S Memorial Dr
Prattville AL 36067
United States+13343655400
Key Growing Requirements
- Climate: Cauliflower grows best in cool weather with average temperatures between 57°F and 68°F (14°C to 20°C). They are sensitive to heat, which can cause "buttoning" (stunted heads) or premature flowering.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial sun.
- Soil: Very fertile, well-drained, and consistently moist soil, enriched with plenty of compost or organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal.
- Watering: Requires consistent moisture. Provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, making sure not to let the soil dry out completely. Water at the base of the plant to prevent rot or disease.
Planting and Care
- Sowing: Start seeds indoors in peat pots 6 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost to avoid disturbing the roots later. Sow seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
- Transplanting: Gradually harden off seedlings by exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing durations over several days. Transplant them into the garden about 2 weeks before the last expected spring frost, spacing them 15 to 18 inches apart.
- Mulching: Use a layer of organic mulch to help retain soil moisture, keep the roots cool, and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Add compost to the soil before planting. A side-dress application of a high-nitrogen fertilizer may be beneficial once plants are established.
- Blanching: "Snowball" varieties are often self-blanching, but if the head is exposed to direct sunlight, bend the large outer leaves over the developing curd and secure them with twine or a rubber band to keep it white.
Harvesting
- Timing: The heads are usually ready for harvest 70 to 80 days after sowing.
- Method: Harvest the heads when they are 6 to 12 inches in diameter, while the tiny buds still feel firm and tight.
- Technique: Cut the head off with a sharp knife, leaving a few wrapper leaves attached to protect it during storage.
