Brassica oleracea var. botrytis 'Snowball' (Cauliflower)

Snowball cauliflower is one of the classic open-pollinated varieties that has been in continuous cultivation for generations, and it earns its place in Oregon coast gardens with consistent, reliable performance. The compact plants produce medium-sized, tight white curds that have a clean, mild flavor well-suited to both raw preparation and cooking. 'Snowball' matures in approximately 70 to 85 days from transplant, making it manageable for both spring and fall plantings in our climate.

Cauliflower generally prefers the mild, moist conditions of the Oregon coast over the heat of inland valleys, and 'Snowball' is no exception. The cool summers and consistent moisture here are exactly what this crop wants. The main challenge in our region is timing: cauliflower needs cool but not cold temperatures during head formation, so setting transplants out in late spring for summer harvest, or in midsummer for fall harvest, gives the best results. Once the curd begins to develop, tie outer leaves loosely over the head to protect it from sunlight and keep it white and sweet.

Work the planting area with compost before planting and provide consistent moisture throughout the season. Cauliflower is a heavy feeder and benefits from a side dressing of fertilizer as the plant sizes up. Harvest heads promptly when they reach a good size and the curds are still tight and firm.