CAULIFLOWER - SNOWCROWN

  Organic Cauliflower SNOWCROWN 

             

Cauliflower was introduced throughout Europe, and by the 15th century, Italy had begun commercial cultivation of the species for culinary purposes. It later made its way to England and France in the early 17th century. Heirloom Snow Crown, has proven to be one of the easiest cauliflowers to cultivate, thanks to its rapid growth and robust vigour. These plants yield substantial quantities of fully domed, white heads, reaching up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter and weighing between 1 to 2 lbs. (453 to 908 g). 

PLANTING & GROWING

Soaking needs to be done at least a few hours before planting, and preferably overnight. To prevent damping off when starting seeds indoors, it’s essential that you disinfect all of your pots, plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before you reuse them.  

Biennial grown as an annual. Can be set closer together than other types and can be sown October for a June harvest or February-April for harvesting late-June to September. 

Cauliflower prefers well-drained, fertile soil high in organic matter, pH 6.0 to 7.5. Can tolerate slightly alkaline soil. Needs plentiful, consistent moisture. 

Sow thinly, 2cm (¾in) deep in a seedbed. Final rows should be 15cm (6in) apart for mini caulis or around 60cm (24in) for larger cultivars. Thin the seedlings to a final spacing of 15cm (6in) apart for mini caulis or 60cm (24in) for larger cultivars. Space summer and autumn cropping types 60cm (2ft) apart and winter cultivars around 75cm (2.5ft) apart; spacing  of 30-45cm (12-18in) apart. 

Harvest before the flower sections begin to separate. The head should be compact, firm, white and fairly smooth. About 75-90 days to maturity 

Plants have shallow root systems. Avoid even shallow cultivation. Mulch to protect roots, reduce weed competition and conserve moisture. Grow in the brassica section of your rotation. 

Cauliflower grows slowly and takes up a lot of garden space; most growth is more than 6 to 8 inches off the ground. You can underplant fast-growing crops like radishes, beets, and leaf lettuce in that space.  Beans, celery, and onions are all excellent choices when companion planting cauliflower.

Avoid planting close to  tomatoes, peas, corn, pumpkin, cucumber, and various squash