70-80 days. Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower Seeds. Brassica oleracea var. botrytis. Non-GMO. Open Pollinated. Also known as "Self-blanching" cauliflower, Snowball y Improved is preferred among commercial growers for its ability to blanch ("whiten") itself without a labor-intensive process. Traditionally, farmers must manually cover and blanch their own cauliflower if they prefer a colorless crop. This unique cultivar covers its own edible head with long wrapping leaves to best protect itself against the sun. ~8,000 seeds/oz.

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Growing Non-GMO Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower Vegetable Seeds

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Latin Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Hardiness Zone: Annual 2-11
Days to Maturity: 70-80
Days to Germination: 4-10
Seeding Depth: 1/2 inches
Plant Spacing: 18-24 inches
Row Spacing: 24-36 inches
Plant Height: 12-30 inches
Growth Habit: Leafy and headed mound
Soil Preference: Moist, Organically fertilized, well-drained
Temperature Preference: 55-75 °F
Light Preference: Full sun
Snowball Y Improved Color: Bright golden yellow fruits
Snowball Y Improved Flavor: Mildly sweet and buttery
Pests and Diseases: Monitor regularly for disease-carrying pests such as cabbage worms, flea beetles, thrips, slugs, aphids.

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.

Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower Seeds Per Package:

3 g - Packet - Approx 500 Seeds
1 oz - Wholesale - Approx 8,000 Seeds
4 oz - Wholesale - Approx 32,600 Seeds
1 lb - Bulk - Approx 128,000 Seeds
5 lb - Bulk - Approx 640,000 Seeds
25 lb - Bulk - Approx 3,200,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on orders over $75.

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