Brassica oleracea 'Cauliflower Alpha 7' – Tasty, open-pollinated cauliflower for summer and autumn harvest

Classic cauliflower with excellent taste

Brassica oleracea 'Cauliflower Alpha 7' is a proven, open-pollinated cauliflower variety known for its excellent flavor, firm texture, and reliable yield. This cultivar is particularly suitable for summer and autumn harvesting and is prized by both amateur and professional gardeners.

Alpha 7 produces beautiful, medium-sized, white flower heads with a fine, dense flower head. Its vigorous growth and adaptability make this variety ideal for cultivation in temperate climates.

Characteristics of Brassica oleracea Cauliflower Alpha 7

This cauliflower is a classic among open-pollinated varieties. It combines traditional cultivation characteristics with good resistance and a rich flavor. The plants grow vigorously, with a sturdy leaf structure that protects the flower head.

Key Features:

• 🌿 Type: Cauliflower (open-pollinated variety)

• ⚡ Harvest time: Summer to late autumn (August – November)

• 🌱 Sowing period: From the beginning of March (early sowing or direct sowing)

• 🌞 Location: Full sun

• 🌾 Planting distance: 60 × 50 cm

• ❄️ Use: Fresh consumption or short-term storage

• 🍽️ Taste: Mild, soft and aromatic

• 🧬 Trait: Seed-resistant variety (non-hybrid)

Cultivation and care

Sowing: Sow Alpha 7 indoors from early March. After about four weeks, the seedlings can be planted out at a spacing of 60 x 50 cm. Direct sowing in open ground is also possible as soon as temperatures permit.

Soil: Cauliflower is a heavy feeder and requires nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Work plenty of compost or organic fertilizer into the soil before planting.

Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. Irregular watering can lead to cracking or small flower heads.
Care: Once the flower begins to form, the flower head should be covered to keep it white. This can be easily done by folding a few outer leaves over the flower.

Fertilization: During growth, additional nutrition with, for example, compost tea or an organic nitrogen source can help ensure strong plant development.

Harvest and use

Brassica oleracea Alpha 7 is harvested from early August to November, depending on sowing time. The flower heads are full, firm, and a beautiful white, with a fine texture and a pleasantly mild flavor.

Harvest tips:

• Harvest as soon as the flower heads are well formed and still closed.

• Avoid harvesting too late to prevent discoloration or looseness.

• Cut the flower with some of the leaves for a longer shelf life.

Culinary applications:

• Classically boiled or steamed as a side dish

• In casseroles, curries or stir-fries

• Raw cauliflower florets as a crunchy snack or in salads

• For soups and purees – retains its mild flavour and white colour

The Alpha 7 cauliflower excels in taste and versatility and forms a reliable basis for numerous dishes.

Benefits of Brassica oleracea Cauliflower Alpha 7

✅ Open-pollinated variety – suitable for self-sowing and natural cultivation
✅ Tasty, white flower heads – full, mild flavour
✅ Reliable growth – suitable for summer and autumn cultivation
✅ Good yield – sturdy plants with uniform flowers
✅ Easy to grow – suitable for both hobby and professional gardeners
✅ Versatile use – from cooking and steaming to raw preparations
✅ Traditional variety – loved for its consistent quality

With Brassica oleracea Cauliflower Alpha 7, you're choosing a classic cauliflower variety with a proven reputation. This flavorful, open-pollinated variety offers a long harvest period and reliable results, even under variable conditions.

Summary

• Latin name: Brassica oleracea 'Cauliflower Alpha 7'

• Type: Open-pollinated cauliflower

• Flower color: Bright white

• Height: 50–70 cm

• Location: Full sun

• Sowing period: From March

• Planting distance: 60 × 50 cm

• Harvest period: August – November

• Special features: Excellent taste, white flower head, open-pollinated