Snowball Cauliflower

100 Seeds

Snowball Cauliflower is a classic variety that produces large, compact, pure white heads with a mild, delicate flavor. It is excellent for steaming, roasting, stir-frying, soups, curries, pickling, and freezing. In the Gulf region, it grows best during the cool season, as high temperatures can prevent proper head formation.

Best Planting Time

• September to November (ideal)
• A second planting is possible from January to early February in cooler Gulf areas.
• Avoid planting during late spring and summer because high temperatures reduce head quality.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 2–4 hours before sowing to improve germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.

Soil Preparation

Cauliflower grows best in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Sandy loam soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.5–7.2

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or nursery pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Keep soil moist until germination.
• Transplant seedlings after 4–5 weeks, when they have 4–6 true leaves.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 18–25°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 15–24°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
• In warmer Gulf weather, provide light afternoon shade.

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist.
• Water deeply whenever the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid allowing soil to dry out completely.
• Water at the base of the plant to reduce disease.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 45–60 cm between plants.
• 60–75 cm between rows.

Harvest

• Harvest approximately 75–90 days after transplanting.
• Cut the head when it is firm, compact, and white, before the florets begin separating.
• For the whitest heads, tie the outer leaves loosely over the developing curd (blanching) once it reaches about 5–8 cm in diameter.

Fertilization

• Add compost before planting.
• Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced vegetable fertilizer.
• Maintain adequate calcium and boron for healthy head development.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen once heads begin forming.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow only during the cooler months.
• Apply mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.
• Water early in the morning.
• Ensure good air circulation around plants.
• Monitor for cabbage worms, aphids, whiteflies, flea beetles, and diseases such as black rot, downy mildew, and powdery mildew.
• Consistent watering and cool temperatures produce the best-quality heads.