Cauliflower Snowball

‘Snowball’ cauliflower is a superb American heirloom variety, thought to be selected from the German ‘Erfurt’ variety. This early cauliflower forms small, pure white heads surrounded by beautiful wavy green leaves. A delicate, fine-textured variety that is best eaten fresh. Sow under cover in September/October, plant out in March and harvest from June to July.

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea botrytris) is a popular vegetable belonging to the large Brassicaceae family (ex-Cole family). This biennial plant is grown as an annual for its edible flower head (meristem). It is thought to be native to the Island of Cyprus. The most common varieties display creamy white heads (or “curd”). However, more recently, different coloured cultivars have been introduced with orange, purple or green heads. Cauliflower has a mild, nutty taste. It is delicious eaten raw with dips, blended in velouté soups, or lightly steamed and added to gratins or quiches. It also goes very well with curry. From a nutritional point of view, it is very healthy: it is low in calories but very rich in vitamins, fibre and minerals. The orange varieties contain beta-carotene.

Cauliflower can be a rather tricky vegetable to grow. It requires deep, rich soil, and regular watering. It enjoys plenty of sun but not too much heat as this tends to make the florets taste more bitter. Better results are generally achieved in cooler, rainier climates. There are many varieties to choose from. By respecting the correct growing period, it is possible to harvest cauliflowers nearly all year round.

Harvesting: To harvest Cauliflower, simply cut off the central head with a sharp knife when it feels suitably compact and heavy.

Storage: Cauliflower does not keep very well. It is best to eat it quickly after harvesting, although it will keep for a few days in the refrigerator. It is also possible to freeze the florets after having blanched them in boiling salty water for a few minutes.

Good to know: For the past few years, swede midges (Contarinia nasturtii) have been causing considerable damage to brassica plants. We recommend protecting your crops with insect netting from mid-May to mid-July.

Even if the vegetable garden is first and foremost a place for growing great quality veg, it’s always a good idea to leave a bit of room for flowers. Growing flowers alongside your vegetable plants will make your general gardening experience more enjoyable and is a great way to attract pollinators and repel garden pests! Flowers such as gaillardia, marigolds, zinnias, cosmos or nasturtiums can be sown in and around the rows of vegetables. Herbs such as dill can be very useful also. Bear in mind that some companion plants self-seed easily and can be a bit invasive (borage, chives, lemon balm etc.)