What hardiness zones is Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' suitable for?

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' is Snow Crown cauliflower, an annual vegetable reaching 18–22 inches (45–55 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide with an upright compact habit — wrapper leaves surrounding a central white curd. The cultivar is a Japanese-bred F1 hybrid from Takii Seed Company that produces smooth bright-white dense curds 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in diameter and is widely grown as an early white cauliflower for home gardens. Large blue-green wrapper leaves provide some self-blanching coverage. Maturity is 50–60 days from transplant — among the fastest-maturing white cauliflower cultivars. Growth rate is moderate. The cultivar is an All-America Selections winner from 1975. The cultivar forms curds across a wider temperature range than older white cauliflower cultivars, which simplifies timing for home gardeners; consistent moisture and fertility are still required. Family Brassicaceae.

Native Range

The parent species Brassica oleracea (botrytis group, cauliflower) is descended from wild cabbage native to coastal Europe. 'Snow Crown' is an F1 hybrid bred by Takii Seed Company in Japan.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of 5 gallons (19 L) or larger for culinary use in steaming, roasting, raw preparations, mashing, and soups. The 50–60 day maturity is among the fastest in white cauliflower cultivars. AAS winner 1975 from Takii Seed Company. Wider temperature tolerance than older white cauliflower cultivars. Blanching by folding wrapper leaves over the curd produces the whitest color. Cool-season crop — not suitable for sustained summer heat or for dishes that call for colored cauliflower (orange, purple, or green Romanesco).

How to Identify

Identified by smooth bright-white dense curds 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in diameter on a compact 18–22 inch (45–55 cm) plant with blue-green wrapper leaves, maturing in 50–60 days from transplant. Separated from 'Cheddar' by white (versus orange) curd color and faster maturity (50–60 versus 58–68 days). Separated from 'Purple of Sicily' by white (versus purple) curd color. Separated from older white cauliflower cultivars by the wider temperature window over which the curd forms reliably. AAS winner 1975.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 1'10"

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

blue

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Grown as an annual for curd harvest. Yellow four-petaled flowers open only if the curd loosens or is not harvested in time. Harvest occurs while the curd is dense, smooth, and bright white.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; four-petaled; only if bolting

Foliage Description

Blue-green wrapper leaves surrounding a bright-white dense curd 6–8 inches across

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

50-60 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Seed is started indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplants are moved into rich moist soil at pH 6.0–7.0. Consistent moisture and heavy feeding support steady curd development; irregular watering produces small or loose curds. The cultivar tolerates a wider temperature range than older white cauliflowers, with head formation favoring 60–70°F (16–21°C). Maturity is 50–60 days from transplant. Wrapper leaves are folded over the curd when the curd reaches 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) across to maintain the white color (blanching). Harvest occurs when the curd is 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) and firm.

Pruning

Wrapper leaves are folded or tied over the curd for blanching when the curd reaches 2–3 inches across. The entire head is harvested by cutting the stem below the curd.