{"product_id":"igloo-cauliflower-seeds","title":"Igloo Cauliflower, Heirloom Seeds — Cold-Climate White, Self-Protecting Upright Leaves, Flexible Spacing (Brassica oleracea)","description":"\u003ch1\u003eIgloo Cauliflower, Heirloom Seeds — Cold-Climate White, Self-Protecting Upright Leaves, Harvest Small or Large | 70 Days\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eIgloo (\u003cem\u003eBrassica oleracea botrytis\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Igloo’) is an excellent heirloom cauliflower bred specifically for colder climates and flexible garden management. Dense white heads are protected by upright, dark green leaves that naturally stand up and shield the developing curd from frost and light — reducing the need for manual blanching. One of Igloo’s most practical features: it can be grown at closer spacing for smaller, faster heads, or given more space for larger heads — giving the gardener genuine control over harvest timing and head size. Rich in Vitamin C, Omega-3 fats, and anti-inflammatory compounds. 0.03g \/ 50+ seeds per packet. 70 days to maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBrassica oleracea botrytis\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Igloo’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHead:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense, white, firm — harvest small or large\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mild, sweet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaf habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright dark green leaves — self-protecting; shields curd from frost and light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCold tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent — bred for colder climates; Zones 2–8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing flexibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Closer for smaller\/faster heads; wider for larger heads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist, well-draining; pH 6.0–7.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 65°F optimal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePacket size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.03g \/ 50+ seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSowing depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e ½ inch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant spacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24 inches (standard); closer for mini heads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO, annual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePests:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black rot, cabbage caterpillar, aphids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBuilt for Cold — The Self-Protecting Upright Leaf Habit\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIgloo’s most distinctive feature is its upright, dark green leaf habit. Where most cauliflower varieties have leaves that spread outward and require manual tying to blanch and protect the developing head, Igloo’s leaves stand upright and naturally wrap over the curd — protecting it from frost damage and light exposure simultaneously. This makes Igloo significantly easier to manage in cold-climate gardens where manual blanching is impractical, and reduces the risk of frost damage to the head during late-season growing. The dark green color of the leaves also helps the plant absorb heat in cool conditions, extending the productive season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFlexible Spacing — Harvest Small or Large\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIgloo is one of the few cauliflower varieties that genuinely rewards flexible spacing as a deliberate growing strategy. Plant closer together (12–18 inches) and the plants produce smaller, faster heads — ideal for succession planting, smaller households, or markets that prefer mini cauliflower. Give plants more space (24+ inches) and they develop into full-sized heads. This means a single packet of Igloo seed can be managed two different ways depending on your garden space and harvest goals — more cauliflower faster, or larger heads later.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIgloo Cauliflower is a nutritional standout in the brassica family. A single serving provides the full recommended daily amount of Vitamin C, essential for immune function. Cauliflower is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, important for brain development and cardiovascular health, and has documented anti-inflammatory properties. It is a good source of Vitamin K, folate, and choline, and is low in calories and carbohydrates — making it one of the most nutritionally efficient vegetables in the cool-season garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eIn the Kitchen\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoasting:\u003c\/strong\u003e The standout use — cut into florets or steaks, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper (or any spice blend), roast at 425°F until caramelized and golden\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCauliflower rice:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pulse florets in a food processor to rice-sized pieces; sauté with oil and seasoning as a low-carb rice substitute\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow-carb pizza dough:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rice, cook, squeeze dry, and combine with egg and cheese for a cauliflower pizza crust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMashed cauliflower:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boil until tender, drain well, and mash with butter and cream as a potato substitute\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCauliflower steaks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slice into thick steaks and sear in cast iron with olive oil and garlic; finish in the oven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoups \u0026amp; curries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add florets to creamy soups or Indian-style curries; the mild flavor absorbs spices beautifully\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart indoors 4–6 weeks before transplant date; harden off before moving outside. Or direct sow ½ inch deep outdoors. Space 24 inches apart for full-sized heads, or closer for smaller mini heads. Full sun; moist, well-draining, fertile soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Cauliflower is a heavy feeder — amend with compost before planting and side-dress with balanced fertilizer mid-season. Keep soil consistently moist. Igloo’s upright leaves provide natural frost and light protection — manual blanching is often unnecessary. Harvest when heads are firm, tight, and fully formed before curds begin to separate. Watch for black rot, cabbage caterpillars, and aphids; use row covers as a preventive measure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDo I need to blanch Igloo cauliflower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOften not — Igloo’s upright dark green leaves naturally stand over the developing curd, providing light protection that keeps the head white without manual tying. In very sunny conditions or if leaves are not fully covering the head, you can tie the outer leaves loosely over the curd when it reaches 2–3 inches across. Check every few days and harvest when firm and tight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow close can I plant Igloo for mini heads?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIgloo can be planted as close as 12–18 inches apart for smaller, faster heads. At this spacing, plants compete slightly for resources, which limits head size but accelerates maturity. This is a deliberate strategy — not a mistake. For full-sized heads, space 24 inches apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs Igloo good for cold climates?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — Igloo was bred specifically for colder climates (Zones 2–8). The upright leaf habit protects the head from frost, and the variety is more cold-tolerant than standard cauliflower varieties. It is an excellent choice for northern gardens with short growing seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePacked and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Box Garden Seeds LLC","offers":[{"title":"1 g \/ ~200+ Seeds","offer_id":41712254943366,"sku":"TLM\/B1-200-85-1024-29","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2669\/3330\/files\/il_fullxfull.7610579682_rit4.jpg?v=1770129138","url":"https:\/\/bgseedsllc.com\/products\/igloo-cauliflower-seeds","provider":"Box Garden Seeds LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}