Early Snowball Y Cauliflower is a dependable heirloom variety prized for its early maturity, compact plants, and beautiful pure white heads. A longtime favorite among home gardeners, this classic cauliflower produces tightly packed, dome-shaped curds with excellent texture and mild, delicate flavor. Its reliable performance, uniform harvests, and adaptability to spring and fall gardens have made Early Snowball Y one of the most widely grown heirloom cauliflower varieties for generations.
Early Snowball Y offers a mild, sweet, slightly nutty flavor with tender, creamy-white florets. The fine texture makes it delicious raw in vegetable trays and salads, while cooking enhances its delicate sweetness without becoming strong or overpowering.
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting or sow directly for fall crops. Space plants 18–24 inches apart in fertile soil enriched with compost. Keep soil evenly moist and fertilize regularly for vigorous growth. As the heads begin to develop, tie the outer leaves loosely over the curd (called blanching) to protect it from sunlight and preserve its bright white color.
Harvest when the heads become firm, compact, and fully developed but before the florets begin separating. Cut the head with several wrapper leaves attached to protect it during handling. Fresh cauliflower stores well under refrigeration for up to two weeks and freezes exceptionally well after blanching.
| Botanical Name | Brassica oleracea var. botrytis |
| Plant Type | Cool-season annual |
| Head Size | 6–8 Inches |
| Head Color | Snow White |
| Average Head Weight | 1½–2½ Pounds |
| Days to Harvest | 60–70 days |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
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