CAULIFLOWER ‘Snowball Improved’ Vegetable Seeds
‘Snowball Improved’ is an open-pollinated variety well suited from cooler areas to as far north as the cooler parts of South-East QLD. It is reliable and self blanching. It forms tight solid, pure white 15 cm heads that are crisp and tender. It has excellent quality and is good fresh or frozen.
Plant Type:
- Cool season biennial, frost tolerant
- Plant Height: Varies, typically up to 40 cm
Sow When:
- Germinate best between 15 – 20°C soil temperature
- Temperate: Late summer for autumn harvest
- Subtropical: Autumn for winter harvest
- Tropical: Autumn for winter harvest
- Arid: Early spring or late summer – sow in a cooler period to avoid heat stress
- Cool Climate: Spring or early autumn – avoid extreme temperatures
Germination:
- Depth: Sow seeds 1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sow Where: Directly into well-drained soil; keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs
Soil Type:
- Details: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 – 7.0
Rows:
- Spacing: Plant seedlings 30 – 40 cm apart in rows spaced 45 – 60 cm apart
Details:
- Days to harvest: 52 – 70 days
Cauliflower Growing Guide
Timing:
- Temperate areas: Sow late December to May.
- Very cool, highland areas: Sow October to February.
- Inland areas: Sow February to September.
- Subtropical areas: Sow March to June.
- Tropical areas: Sow April to July.
Climate Considerations:
- Cauliflowers struggle in subtropical and tropical regions due to hot weather.
- Hybrid varieties are preferable in hotter climates as they resist bolting (going to seed prematurely) and maintain quality.
- Plant early in hotter areas to ensure maturity before spring warmth.
Planting:
- Sow seeds 10mm deep in trays or seedbeds. Germination typically takes 4-10 days.
- Transplant seedlings by removing seed leaves and planting deeper, up to the first set of true leaves.
- Space plants 40cm apart in rows 60-75cm apart.
Soil Requirements:
- Cauliflowers thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6-7.5.
- Amend soil with well-rotted compost or animal manure to ensure adequate nutrients.
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the growing period.
Fertilization:
- Cauliflowers are heavy feeders, requiring ample nitrogen and potassium.
- Apply organic fertilizers when plants are half-grown to support healthy growth.
Harvesting:
- Harvest cauliflowers while heads are still tight and white.
- Avoid waiting too long, as over-mature heads can become discolored or develop loose curds.
By following these simple steps, you can cultivate delicious cauliflowers in your Australian garden. Remember to adjust planting times and varieties based on your specific climate zone for optimal results.
