Heirloom
Snowball Y Cauliflower is a reliable frost-hardy brassica that produces tight, snowy white heads in just 70 to 80 days from transplant. This botanical variety thrives in cool-season gardens across USDA zones 3 and beyond, reaching a mature height of 24 to 30 inches with substantial, tightly curded heads. Its compact growth habit and relatively quick maturity make it a dependable choice for both spring and fall harvests, especially in mild climates where it can be sown in early fall for winter production.
Full Sun
Moderate
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30in H x ?in W
Perennial
Moderate
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Snowball Y produces dense, pristine white curds that form reliably within 70 to 80 days, making it one of the faster cauliflower varieties for gardeners working with shorter growing seasons. The plants stay reasonably compact at 24 to 30 inches tall and are genuinely frost-hardy, allowing them to tolerate cold snaps that would damage tender crops. Its predictable growth cycle and vigorous constitution have earned it a place in vegetable gardens wherever cool weather prevails.
Snowball Y is grown for its edible cauliflower curds, which are harvested and prepared in a range of classic applications. The white, tightly packed heads are suited to roasting, steaming, boiling, and raw preparation in salads or vegetable platters. Its reliable texture and appearance make it valued for both home cooking and market-garden production.
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your intended transplant date, which should fall after your average last frost date. Maintain soil temperature at 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination. Once seedlings emerge, move them to cooler conditions around 60 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage sturdy growth. In mild climates, sow in fall indoors approximately 12 weeks before your average first fall frost date for late winter and early spring harvest.
Transplant seedlings outside after your average last frost date when plants are 4 to 6 weeks old and have developed true leaves. Space plants 24 inches apart with 24 inches between rows. In mild climates, transplant fall-sown seedlings approximately 12 weeks before the first fall frost. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before final planting.
Direct sowing is not recommended for this variety. Indoor seed starting followed by transplanting produces stronger, more productive plants.
Harvest Snowball Y cauliflower heads when they reach full size and the curds are still tight and compact, typically 70 to 80 days after transplanting. Cut the main head from the plant at the base using a sharp knife, leaving the outer leaves attached if desired. Heads are best harvested in the morning when they're cool and turgid. In mild climates with fall plantings, continue harvesting through late winter and into early spring as conditions allow.
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