{"product_id":"cauliflower-first-early-2044","title":"Cauliflower First Early Seeds","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrassica oleracea var. botrytis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst Early is a fast-maturing Cauliflower producing smooth, solid white heads weighing up to approximately 500 g. Ready to harvest in as little as 70 days, its compact growth makes it particularly useful for smaller gardens and successive plantings. Unlike many Cauliflowers, First Early also performs well in hot and humid climates, making it a valuable choice for warmer Australian growing regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe firm heads have an excellent flavour and fine texture and are exceptionally versatile in the kitchen. Enjoy raw, steamed, roasted, grilled, pickled, mashed, added to curries and soups or baked whole. The leaves and tender stems are also edible and need not be discarded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCauliflower has been cultivated in the Mediterranean for centuries and became particularly associated with Italy before spreading throughout Europe. Mark Twain famously described it as “cabbage with a college education”, an apt description for this somewhat refined member of the \u003cem\u003eBrassica oleracea\u003c\/em\u003e family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Cauliflower generally prefers its main head development to occur during cooler weather, First Early has greater tolerance of heat and humidity than many traditional varieties. Plants prefer full sun, fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and consistent moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 90 seeds per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Plant (Australia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropics: Autumn to winter, with a broader planting window in suitable conditions\u003cbr\u003eSubtropics: Late summer to winter\u003cbr\u003eMild climates: Late summer to autumn and late winter to spring\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: Spring to early summer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \/ Sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow directly or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransplant or thin seedlings to approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Maintain consistent moisture throughout growth, as water stress can affect head development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs white heads begin to form, loosely fold or tie the surrounding leaves over the curd to protect it from strong sunlight and help maintain its white colour. Harvest while heads are firm, compact and tightly formed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf saving seed, remember that Cauliflower will cross-pollinate readily with other compatible \u003cem\u003eBrassica oleracea\u003c\/em\u003e varieties, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity: from approximately 70 days.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDue to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eden Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Packet","offer_id":46649657065690,"sku":null,"price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/download_bcec9299-82df-43f2-b316-ef0b0f7e3ec1.jpg?v=1754016881","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/cauliflower-first-early-2044","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}