Cauliflower Snowball Y Improved Seedling Tray

For best results with Cauliflower Snowball Y Improved, plant one rooted plug per 4-inch container or 1801 cell. Use well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5-6.8, light feed (75-125 ppm), and temperatures between 60-70 degrees. You may see aphids, slugs, and cabbage worms. Cauliflower can be prone to downy mildew and leaf spot. 

The edible part of the Cauliflower, known as the head or "curd," is a collection of immature flower buds. For culinary use, harvest the Cauliflower head before it develops into a full flower head with yellow petals.

This plant doesn't require pinching.

Space containers for adequate airflow around the base of each plant and to allow sunlight to penetrate to the soil level.

Combine a few techniques to keep Cauliflower seedling plugs from stretching tall. 

1. Provide adequate space between plants.

2. Grow plants with the proper amount of light.

3. Maintain an optimal temperature of 60-70 degrees. 

4. If height control is an issue with this plant in your greenhouse, pinching can promote bushier growth.

We don't recommend using chemical growth regulators for vegetables. 

Cauliflower is susceptible to aphids, slugs, and cabbage worms. Be proactive and use preventative measures like maintaining a clean, well-ventilated greenhouse, rotating crops, and growing pest-deterrent plants nearby. Carefully monitor plants as part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy. 

1. Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. They can also spread diseases from plant to plant. Control aphid populations with insecticidal soap or neem oil or by releasing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.

2. Slugs are mollusks that feed on plant leaves and can cause significant damage to cauliflower seedlings. To control slugs, use slug baits or copper strips, or handpick and dispose of them.

3. Cabbage worms are the larvae of the cabbage butterfly. They feed on Cauliflower leaves and other brassica vegetables, causing holes and tattered leaves. To control cabbage worms, use floating row covers, handpick and dispose of the larvae, or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.

This plant can suffer from downy mildew and leaf spot. These are most likely to occur in wet conditions and can be prevented by watering at the base of each plant and allowing plants to dry out between waterings. Grow in full sun and provide adequate airflow in your greenhouse.

1. Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves and a white, downy growth on the undersides. To control downy mildew, practice good sanitation, water at the base of each plant, and use a fungicide if needed. This variety is mildew resistant.

2. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves, leading to yellowing and premature defoliation. To prevent this disease, practice good sanitation, water at the soil level, and select resistant varieties.

We recommend planting one seedling plug per 1801 cell or 4-inch container. Use a well-drained soil in full sun and completely bury the ellepot in the center of the container. Handle the roots carefully, spreading them out in your final container. Water the seedling to provide even moisture and dispel air pockets.