Cauliflower – Snowball Self Blanching

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Description

Snowball Self Blanching Cauliflower

50 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 65–75 Days

Sun Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hours); tolerates partial shade in hot climates to prevent bolting.

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

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Snowball Self Blanching Cauliflower is a time-tested heirloom prized for its smooth, creamy-white heads and dependable performance in gardens. First developed by Dr. Homna at Michigan State University, this classic variety remains a favorite among home gardeners thanks to its natural ability to self-blanch—its broad wrapper leaves curl inward as temperatures cool, shielding the curd from sun and preserving its bright white color without the need for tying.

Plants grow 24–30″ tall and about 12″ wide, forming dense, uniform heads that reach 6–8″ across. Best grown in cool weather, Snowball Self Blanching slows its growth during periods of summer heat, helping prevent small or premature heads. As autumn temperatures return, the plants resume strong growth and produce beautiful, firm curds ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, with a clean, classic cauliflower taste that shines whether roasted, steamed, stir-fried, or served raw with dip. Heads hold well in the garden and keep nicely in the fridge for a week or more. Snowball Self Blanching is low in calories and high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants—making it as nutritious as it is delicious. A reliable, low maintenance variety perfect for fall gardens!

Planting Instructions for Snowball Self Blanching Cauliflower Seeds

When to Plant:
Start Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your last expected spring frost. For a fall crop, sow seeds indoors 10–14 weeks before your first expected fall frost. Transplants should be 4–6 weeks old, with 4–6 true leaves, and fully hardened off before planting outdoors.

Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower can also be sown directly outdoors, but this is best done in late summer for a fall harvest, as spring direct-sowing often results in bolting due to uneven temperatures. Direct sowing in spring is not recommended unless you have a very stable, mild climate. For continuous harvests, sow in succession every 2–3 weeks over a 6-week period. Avoid sowing during periods of high heat, as Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower is sensitive to temperature extremes.

Where to Plant:
Choose a site with full sun exposure—at least 6 hours daily. In hot climates, providing light afternoon shade using shade cloth, row covers, or taller companion plants can help prevent heat stress and bolting. Plant in rich, well-drained soil. Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower requires a slightly alkaline pH of 6.5 to 7.5 to deter clubroot and promote healthy growth. If needed, lime the soil in the fall prior to spring planting.

Amend the bed with 2–3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure and work it into the top 6–8 inches of soil. For heavy clay soils, improve drainage by adding coarse sand or compost. Practice strict crop rotation: do not plant Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower where any brassica (cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc.) has grown in the past 3 years.

How to Plant:
Sow seeds ¼–½ inch deep in seed trays or pots filled with sterile, peat-free seed-starting mix. Maintain soil temperature at 70–80°F for optimal germination. Use a heat mat if needed. Seeds usually sprout in 8–14 days. Once seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, thin to one plant per cell or pot. Harden off seedlings over 7–10 days before transplanting outdoors.

Space transplants 18–24 inches apart in rows spaced 24–30 inches apart. Plant slightly deeper than they were growing in their containers, firm the soil around the roots, and water well.

Growing Tips:
Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower is a heavy feeder and benefits from a steady supply of moisture and nutrients. Keep the soil consistently moist, watering deeply once or twice per week depending on rainfall. Use mulch—such as shredded leaves, grass clippings, straw, or compost—to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease. Apply a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer (e.g., fish emulsion) every 2–3 weeks during early growth, and again once heads begin to form. Too much nitrogen, however, may cause hollow stems.

Use floating row covers from the moment of planting to protect from cabbage worms, root maggots, aphids, and flea beetles. If you notice the white cabbage butterfly in your garden, take immediate action to check for larvae. For fall crops planted in warm weather, provide partial shade with cloth or netting to prevent bolting.

Blanching:
Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower usually does not require manual blanching, as its broad leaves naturally curl inward to cover the curd. However, if needed, you can tie the outer leaves loosely over the head when it reaches about 2–3 inches in diameter using string, a clothespin, or a rubber band. Do this on a dry day to prevent trapping moisture, which can cause rot.

Harvesting:
Harvest when the heads are firm, compact, and about 6–8 inches wide. Use a sharp knife to cut the stem just below the head, leaving several outer leaves attached to protect it. Don’t wait too long—once the head loosens or begins to separate, it will lose texture and flavor. If buds start to elongate or open, harvest immediately.

Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower does not regrow like broccoli after harvest, so remove the plant once harvested unless you’re saving seed. If you’re collecting seed, you’ll need to leave the head on the plant and allow it to overwinter. Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower is a biennial, and seeds only form in the second year of growth. Do not harvest the head if you intend to collect seed—let it mature and flower the following season.

Saving Seeds:
Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower is a biennial and will not produce seed until its second year. In cold climates, plants must be overwintered indoors or in a protected cold frame. Allow at least one healthy, disease-free plant to overwinter. If successfully overwintered without premature bolting, it will send up a tall flower stalk with yellow blooms in spring. After pollination, seed pods (siliques) will form and mature over the summer. Wait for the pods to dry and turn brown on the plant. Then pull the entire plant and hang it upside-down in a well-ventilated, dry area.

Once the pods are fully dry and brittle, thresh them by gently crushing or twisting over a clean, light-colored surface. Winnow out the chaff and collect the seeds. Label and store in a glass jar or seed-saving envelopes. Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower seeds can remain viable for 4–5 years if stored in a cool, dark, dry location. To prevent cross-pollination, isolate Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower from other brassicas—broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts—by ½ mile or more if seed purity is desired.

Storage & Preservation:

Fresh:
To store fresh Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower, keep the head unwashed and place it in a perforated plastic bag to allow airflow. Position the head stem-side up in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer to prevent moisture from collecting on the florets. Keep at a cool 32–40°F. Stored this way, cauliflower will stay crisp and fresh for 5–7 days.

Cut:
Break or cut the head into florets and spread them out on a paper towel to remove any surface moisture. Once dry, transfer the florets to an airtight container or resealable bag. Store in the refrigerator and use within 3–5 days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing:
Begin by rinsing and cutting Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower into uniform florets. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a tablespoon of salt if desired, and blanch the florets for 3 minutes. Immediately transfer them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. After cooling for a few minutes, drain and pat them dry. Spread the florets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours. Once frozen solid, pack them into freezer bags or containers, remove excess air, label, and store for up to 12 months.

Pickling:
To pickle Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower, first wash and break the head into bite-sized florets. Prepare a vinegar brine using a tested recipe—typically a mix of vinegar, water, salt, and optional spices like mustard seeds, garlic, or chili flakes. Preheat jars with hot water or in the canner while preparing the brine to avoid thermal shock. Pack the cauliflower tightly into sterilized jars and cover with the hot brine, leaving the appropriate headspace. Process in a boiling water bath according to recipe instructions, usually 10–15 minutes. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.

FAQ:

Does Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower need to be tied to stay white?

Usually not. This variety naturally “self-blanches” as its broad outer leaves curl inward, protecting the curd from sun exposure. If needed, you can loosely tie the leaves over the head when it reaches 2–3″ wide, but this is rarely necessary.

When should I start Snowball Self Blanching seeds for a fall crop?

Start seeds indoors 10–14 weeks before your first expected fall frost. Transplant outdoors when seedlings are 4–6 weeks old and fully hardened off. For most regions, this means sowing mid to late summer.

Can I sow Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower seeds directly outdoors?

Yes—but only for fall crops. Spring direct sowing is risky unless your climate is very stable and mild. Late summer sowing gives the best results for direct seeding.

How big do Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower plants get?

Plants grow 24–30″ tall and about 12″ wide. Heads reach 6–8″ across when mature and are firm, smooth, and creamy-white.

What kind of soil does this variety prefer?

Rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Add compost or rotted manure before planting and lime the soil in fall if needed. Avoid planting where brassicas have grown in the last 3 years.

How long does it take Snowball Self Blanching Cauliflower to mature?

Expect harvest-ready heads in 65–75 days from transplanting. Be sure to harvest promptly once the heads are fully formed and tight.

Can I save seeds from Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower?

Yes, but only in the second year. This biennial must overwinter, then bloom and set seed the following spring. Isolate from other brassicas by at least ½ mile to prevent cross-pollination.

How do I store freshly harvested Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower heads?

Keep unwashed heads in a perforated plastic bag, stem-side up, in the fridge crisper drawer at 32–40°F. Stored this way, they’ll last 5–7 days.

What are some good ways to preserve Snowball Self Blanching cauliflower?

You can blanch and freeze the florets, pickle them using a vinegar brine, or refrigerate them cut-up in an airtight container for short-term use. Frozen cauliflower keeps up to a year.

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8 reviews for Cauliflower – Snowball Self Blanching

  1. Terry (verified owner)

    packaged well

  2. Randy (verified owner)

    Just coming up

  3. Sherri (verified owner)

    We love buying St Clare seeds, We feel we get quality seeds.What drew us to buy St Clare seeds ,we were looking for pure clean heirloom seeds with no spraying on our seeds also we loved their stance for our Lord and Nation and those are the businesses we look to support. This is my 3rd purchase from them as we expand our variety and we have been very please with the success of their seeds. We looking forward to try these , also there packaging is great as well as shipped in a timely manner

  4. Deborah B. (verified owner)

    Fast shipping. Not planted yet.

  5. Sandra (verified owner)

    amazing

  6. Patricia Stone (verified owner)

    5 star!

  7. Lauren Campbell (verified owner)

    4 star!

  8. Michael Fox (verified owner)

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