Early Snowball Cauliflower Organic Seeds (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) – Heirloom Self-Blanching White Cauliflower, Compact & Fast-Maturing

Minimum: 100+ Seeds

Early Snowball Cauliflower removes cauliflower's hardest part: you don't have to tie it. This French heirloom from the 1880s earned its place on European royal tables and remained a garden standard for 140 years because it simply works. Naturally protective leaves curl and wrap around developing heads, creating self-blanching protection from light without fussing. Growing on compact plants with exceptional foliage, Early Snowball produces dense, smooth, creamy white heads averaging 6-9 inches and weighing 3-5 pounds... perfectly sized for families and markets. The flavor is mild and slightly nutty, with tender curds remaining sweet even when mature. At just 55-65 days from transplant, this variety thrives in cool seasons and produces heads that linger without splitting. Excellent fresh, roasted, or frozen... Early Snowball eliminates guesswork and delivers consistent, beautiful harvests.

Who Grows Early Snowball Cauliflower Seeds?

Cool-season gardeners wanting reliable, fuss-free cauliflower. Organic growers seeking certified heritage varieties. Market gardeners valuing uniform heads. Anyone frustrated by cauliflower difficulty. Heirloom seed savers. Fall and winter gardeners.

What This French Heirloom Brassica Actually Is

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis 'Early Snowball'. Open-pollinated French heirloom from 19th century, popularized by Ferry-Morse in 1941. Medium-sized 24-inch plant with excellent foliage. Naturally self-blanching: protective leaves curl around heads protecting white curds. Dense, smooth, creamy white heads 6-9 inches across, weighing 3-5 pounds. Matures 55-65 days from transplant. Mild, sweet, slightly nutty flavor. Tender curds remain juicy. Uniform maturity. Cold-hardy. USDA zones 3-12. Organic-eligible.

In the Kitchen & Garden

• Fresh Eating: Mild, nutty flavor raw in salads.
• Roasted: Curds caramelize with olive oil and garlic.
• Steamed: Tender texture for simple preparation.
• Soups: White color creates elegant cream soups.
• Freezing: Excellent quality retention when blanched.
• Pickling: Firm texture holds well.
• Compact Garden: Needs less space than sprawling varieties.
• Fall Harvest: Autumn plantings perfect for season-end.
• Market Appeal: Uniform heads attract buyers.

Growing Early Snowball Cauliflower Seeds

• Zones: USDA 3-12. Cool-season.
• Timing: Indoors 4-6 weeks before transplant. Direct sow 6-8 weeks before frost.
• Second Crop: Midsummer for autumn harvest.
• Germination: 60-70°F optimal. 8-12 days.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained, consistent moisture.
• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.5-7.5).
• Sunlight: Full sun, 6+ hours daily.
• Spacing: 18-24 inches between plants.
• Water: Consistent moisture prevents buttoning and cracking.
• Mulch: Retains moisture, keeps roots cool.
• Maturity: 55-65 days from transplant.
• Blanching: Self-blanching—leaves wrap, no tying.
• Harvest: When heads feel firm and curds tight.
• Head Linger: Mature heads stay garden-fresh without rushing.
• Pest Prevention: Row covers protect from flea beetles.
• Rotation: Alternate with other brassicas.

Before You Close This Page

French heirloom self-blanching cauliflower, compact 24 inches. Pure white 6-9 inch heads, 3-5 pounds. Leaves wrap naturally, no tying. Dense smooth curds, mild nutty flavor. 55-65 day maturity. Organic-eligible. Fresh, roasted, frozen, pickled. Cool-season spring/fall. USDA zones 3-12. Uniform heads. Reliable, fuss-free. The royalty-approved cauliflower that works.