Snowball Y

Cauliflower

Zone 2a Save Garden

🌱 75d to harvest Rosette

Velvety, snow-white curds arrive with a crisp, fine-grained bite and a clean, sweet brassica flavor that feels bright rather than…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 27th
Last Frost	May 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Aug 15th
Harvest Ends	Aug 29th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Recommended Companions

Red Long Of Tropea Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Snowball Y (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) heads getting soft and brown, and what can I do?

Soft, spreading brown tissue on the curds is often bacterial soft rot, which thrives in cool, wet weather and after splashing water. Remove and discard affected heads, then improve airflow by spacing plants correctly and avoiding overhead irrigation. If conditions stay wet, water at the soil line and keep leaves as dry as possible to slow further spread.

How often should I water Snowball Y during the main head-forming period?

During curd development (roughly mid-season toward the last third before harvest), keep the root zone evenly moist, not soggy—about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week depending on heat and soil. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging, especially because Brassica oleracea var. botrytis is prone to head rots when the foliage stays wet. Mulch lightly to stabilize moisture and reduce fluctuations that can lead to loose or poor curds.

When is Snowball Y ready to harvest, and how do I know?

Harvest when the curds are firm, dense, and fully white (or tightly colored for your cultivar), and the head reaches a typical market size for Snowball Y—around 75 days from sowing/planting per your schedule. Check daily once heads are forming: if the curds start to loosen or show any flowering hints, harvest immediately because Brassicas can turn woody or flower quickly. Use a sharp knife to cut the head with a short stem, and harvest before heat spikes for best texture.

Velvety, snow-white curds arrive with a crisp, fine-grained bite and a clean, sweet brassica flavor that feels bright rather than sharp. Snowball Y forms tight, rounded heads with a protective leaf collar that helps keep the color pure and the texture tender—ideal for showcasing in the garden and turning into elegant, crowd-pleasing preparations. Grow it for reliable 75-day performance and a standout harvest that looks as fresh as it tastes.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 32°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 6 days first.

Expert Note

For reliable white heads, keep soil evenly moist and don’t transplant into cold-wet ground—use row cover if nights are still chilly.