Flame Star

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

Flame Star cauliflower brings a vivid, sunset-bright presence to the garden—its curd is a warm golden-orange that glows above sturdy foliage.

Expect a fine, creamy texture with a gentle, sweet brassica character, making it especially appealing for roasting and for showcasing in fresh preparations, as well as for velvety sauces. At about 75 days, this variety rewards steady growth with a striking, market-ready head that stands out from the crowd.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Flame Star’s golden-orange curd roasts up sweet and tender without going sulfur-sharp, so it holds up beautifully to browning and char-kissed edges. Use it as the creamy canvas for silky purées or sauce reductions—its flavor stays mild enough to let butter, citrus, and aged cheese do the talking.

Best Uses

high-heat roasting to bronze the edges and keep the interior silky
showpiece raw or lightly dressed florets where the golden color stays vivid
blitzing into a smooth, velvety sauce base (or cauliflower purée)

Flavor Profile

creamy, fine-grained florets gentle sweet brassica flavor buttery, nutty roast notes mild vegetal edge that softens fast

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil butter parmesan tahini smoked paprika

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Brassica oleracea var. botrytis (Flame Star), and how do I control it?

Cabbage worms (especially imported cabbage moth and cabbage looper) are a frequent problem, leaving holes in tender heads and buds. Inspect plants 2–3 times per week and control early with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays, applied in the evening so it reaches actively feeding caterpillars. If you see black, mushy spots on leaves or curds, remove affected parts immediately and improve airflow because this brassica is prone to fungal rots in damp conditions.

How often should I water Flame Star during the main growing phase (about the first 50–60 days)?

Keep the soil consistently evenly moist after transplanting so the curd/bud heads develop without stress—aim for roughly 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and avoid letting it swing dry-to-soggy, which can lead to poor head formation and leaf issues. Mulch around plants to stabilize moisture, since Brassicaceae curds/buds are sensitive to moisture fluctuations.

How can I tell when Flame Star (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the curd/bud heads are fully formed and firm, before they start to separate or loosen—generally around 75 days from planting. Check daily as maturity approaches: if you see the head becoming soft or the surface separating, pick promptly. Cut the head with a portion of the stem, and harvest any usable side shoots soon after main harvest while they’re still compact.