Cauliflower Seed 'Snowball'

Though strictly speaking, this is described as an early cauliflower, Snowball is in fact far more versatile than that and can be used for spring, summer, autumn and winter production.

First bred in America in the 1890s there probably still isn't a better cauliflower to grow in the garden.

The compact plants produce a good crop of 5-6" (13 - 15 cm) pure white cauliflower heads that are tightly packed to the point of being solid and of superb quality. They freeze well too!

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects if allowed to 'go over' and flower (so if you have room leave any plants in that have gone too far rather than pulling them out straight away).

• For Early Cropping
• Sow under protection in trays from February to March.
• Set out when plants are large enough, and fully hardened off, 18" (45 cm) apart in rows 2 feet (60 cm) apart.
• Harvest approximately June-September.

• For Main Cropping
• Sow from March to May thinly in rows 6" (15 cm) apart. Sow in ½" (1 cm) deep drills.
• Thin to one seedling per 3" (7.5 cm) or transplant into suitable pots.
• Set out when large enough to handle 18" (45 cm) apart in rows 2 feet (60 cm) apart.
• Harvest from approximately August-October.

• For Winter Cropping
• Sow May to June thinly in rows 6" (15 cm) apart. Sow in ½" (1 cm) deep drills.
• Thin to one seedling per 3" (7.5 cm) or transplant into suitable pots.
• Set out when plants are large enough to handle 18" (45 cm) apart in rows 2 feet (60 cm) apart.
• Harvest approximately December - March.

• For Over-Wintering
• Sow August to September thinly in rows 6" (15 cm) apart. Sow in ½" (1 cm) deep drills.
• Thin to one seedling per 3" (7.5 cm) or transplant into suitable pots.
• Set out when plants are large enough 18" (45 cm) apart in rows 2 feet (60 cm) apart under protection- greenhouse, polytunnel or cloche.
• Harvest approximately May-June.

• Top Tips
• Bend leaves over the developing head to protect from the sun during the summer and frost in the winter.
• Do not overfeed winter crops as this makes them more susceptible to frost damage.
• Protect from pigeons - they love Brassicas (so do partridges).
• Take precautions against the dreaded Cabbage White Butterfly - inspect your crop regularly, spray with our BioFriend Plant Defence regularly or use a physical barrier such as insect netting.