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

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.

What are the sun requirements for Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown'?

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' need?

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' has High water needs.

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown', Snow Crown Cauliflower

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Vegetables

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown'

Snow Crown Cauliflower

Brassicaceae

Coastal Europe (B. oleracea botrytis; Snow Crown bred Takii Seed Japan; AAS 1975; standard early white; most forgiving temp tolerance; 50-60 days)

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height18-22 inches (45-55 cm)

Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

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.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancesemi-hardy

Key Features

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Brassica oleracea 'Snow Crown' is an annual vegetable reaching 18-22 inches (45-55 cm) tall with a spread of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and an upright, compact habit with wrapper leaves surrounding a central white curd. A Japanese-bred hybrid cauliflower (Takii Seed Company), it produces smooth, bright white, dense curds 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in diameter—the standard early white cauliflower for home gardens. Large, blue-green wrapper leaves provide some self-blanching. Days to maturity 50-60 from transplant—among the earliest cauliflowers. Growth rate is moderate. AAS (All-America Selections) winner 1975. More forgiving of temperature fluctuations than other white cauliflowers—forms curds over a wider temperature range. Still requires consistent moisture and fertility.

Native Range

Brassica oleracea (botrytis group—cauliflower) descended from wild cabbage native to coastal Europe. 'Snow Crown' was bred by Takii Seed Company, Japan.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—steaming, roasting, raw, mashing, soups. Standard early white cauliflower. AAS winner 1975. Most forgiving white type. Takii Japan. 50-60 days—earliest cauliflower. Needs blanching for whitest curd. Not suitable for hot climates or where colored cauliflower is preferred.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Cheddar' by the white (versus orange) curd and the faster maturity (50-60 versus 58-68 days). Distinguished from 'Purple of Sicily' by the white (versus purple) curd. Distinguished from older white cauliflower varieties by the greater tolerance to temperature fluctuations. Snow Crown—standard early white cauliflower, AAS 1975, Takii Japan, most forgiving white type, 50-60 days.

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

Yellow four-petaled flowers if curd not harvested or loosens. Harvest when curd is dense, smooth, and bright white.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; four-petaled; bolting only

Foliage Description

Blue-green wrapper leaves; bright white dense curd 6-8 inches

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

semi-hardy

Time to Maturity

50-60 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Transplant into rich, moist soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Consistent moisture and heavy feeding. More forgiving of temperature than other whites but still prefers 60-70°F (16-21°C). Days to maturity 50-60 from transplant. Blanch by folding wrapper leaves over curd when it reaches 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) to maintain white color. Harvest when 6-8 inches and firm.