LIMITED SUPPLY! We were so excited to find this perennial cauliflower that's been an absolute game-changer for our garden: introducing Nine Star Cauliflower! This extraordinary plant yields several cauliflower-like heads as summer begins to warm. It's aptly named 'nine star' because once you snip off the main head, a constellation of smaller ones emerges around it. The flavor is classic cauliflower but with an added touch of sweetness. Plus, you can harvest and savor its tasty leaves throughout the rest of the year. It's a phenomenal, continuous provider that keeps our kitchen stocked with fresh flavors all season long! (Brassica oleracea botrytis asparagoides)
Why We Love It
Here are some of the reasons why we love Nine Star Cauliflower...
1) MORE THAN ONE HEAD - After you cut the main central cauliflower head, it shoots out many additional side heads that you can harvest throughout the season.
2) TENDER & SWEET - The heads have a true cauliflower taste with an additional delicious touch of sweetness.
3) TASTY LEAVES - This plant really is 2 vegetables in one. The leaves can be harvested throughout the season for a delicious cooked green.
How to Grow It
Here's how to grow Nine Star Cauliflower:
| SUN | FULL SUN |
| MOISTURE | REGULAR GARDEN MOISTURE |
| GROWING ZONES | PERENNIAL IN USDA 7-10, can be grown as an annual elsewhere (Not sure? Find your growing zone here) |
| SIZE | 3-6 FEET TALL & 1-2 FEET WIDE TRELLISED |
| PRO TIP |
Sow indoors to start. Plant in rich soil with regular feeding of nutrients for bigger head production. Trellis support up to 6ft or grow along ground in areas where there is space. Harvest often to prevent the plant from flowering. This is the key to repeated head production. Once the top leaves start to curl inwards to form the cauliflower head, spray with a jet of water to eliminate any aphids which like to sneak inside. We spray the growing head periodically with a strong jet of water to keep them aphid-free. These plants will produce for 4-5 years until they start to get tired. At this point, cut off a pencil-size branch, trim off all leaves except the very top leaf, and root into moist soil to start a new plant. Endless cauliflower! :) |
How to Harvest & Use It
Harvest flower heads just before flowers open. Best cooked, steamed, sautéed or roasted. Also harvest leaves best braised or tossed into stir-fry. The key to having this plant keep producing is to prevent it from going to flower. Continual harvesting is essential.