Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown', Snow Crown Cauliflower
1 / 4
Vegetables

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown'

Snow Crown Cauliflower

BrassicaceaeEurope

At a Glance

Typevegetable
Habitcompact, upright
Foliagedeciduous
Height12-18 inches
Width18-24 inches

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancesemi-hardy

Key Features

Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' is a premium cool-season vegetable renowned for producing exceptionally uniform, pure white heads with excellent dome-shaped structure. This cultivar forms compact, dense curds that are well-protected by sturdy, blue-green outer leaves that naturally wrap around the developing head, providing natural blanching without the need for manual tying. The plant develops a strong central stem with large, broad leaves that have prominent white veins and a slightly waxy texture typical of brassicas. The distinctive snow-white heads of Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' are particularly prized for their fine grain texture and mild, sweet flavor. Each head typically measures 6-7 inches across when fully mature and maintains its bright white color due to the excellent self-blanching characteristics of the surrounding foliage. The tight, uniform curds are composed of numerous small flower buds that remain tightly packed, creating the characteristic cauliflower appearance that makes this cultivar a favorite among both home gardeners and commercial growers.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea is native to the coastal regions of western and southern Europe, including the Mediterranean coastlines, Atlantic shores of France, Spain, and Portugal, and parts of Britain. The wild ancestor grows naturally on limestone cliffs and rocky shores where it has adapted to cool, moist conditions and salt spray.

Suggested Uses

Fresh eating, steaming, roasting, stir-frying, soup making, vegetable gardens, container growing, succession planting for extended harvest

How to Identify

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' can be identified by its characteristic blue-green outer leaves with prominent white veins that naturally curl inward to protect the developing white head. The leaves are broad, thick, and slightly waxy with a sturdy texture. The central head forms as a tight cluster of pure white, fine-grained curds that maintain their bright color due to the self-blanching nature of the surrounding foliage. Unlike other cauliflower varieties, Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' requires minimal leaf tying as the outer leaves naturally provide adequate coverage for blanching.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green
blue

Bloom Information

Forms harvestable heads rather than ornamental flowers

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White (edible flower buds)

Foliage Description

Blue-green with prominent white veins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
• 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
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

semi-hardy

Time to Maturity

50-60 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' requires consistent moisture and fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter for optimal head development. Water deeply and regularly, maintaining even soil moisture throughout the growing season as drought stress can cause premature bolting or poor head formation. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer 3-4 weeks after transplanting to support vigorous growth. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the stem base to prevent pest issues. Monitor regularly for common brassica pests like cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles, using row covers early in the season for protection.

Pruning

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' requires minimal pruning due to its self-blanching characteristics, but remove any yellowing or damaged outer leaves throughout the growing season to maintain plant health. Unlike other cauliflower varieties, the outer leaves naturally curl inward and typically do not require tying to blanch the head. If outer leaves become excessively large or damaged by pests, carefully remove the affected leaves without disturbing the developing head. Harvest the entire head when it reaches 6-7 inches in diameter and the curds are still tight and white.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' is non-toxic and safe for human consumption. The leaves, stems, and flower heads are all edible, though the white curds are the primary harvested portion. Generally safe around pets, though large quantities of raw brassicas may cause digestive upset in some animals.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended for direct sowing

Days to Maturity

50–60 days

Plant Spacing

18 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

broccoli
cabbage
kale
onions
celery
spinach
lettuce
peas

Avoid Planting With

tomatoes
peppers
strawberries
beans
Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' (Snow Crown Cauliflower) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef