Flame Star Cauliflower

Flame Star
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Flame Star Cauliflower

Brassica oleracea (botrytis group)
(68 days) F-1 hybrid. Pastel orange 7" uniform heads of smooth dense curds on sturdy plants are not only attractive but also many times richer in vitamin A than their pale cousins. This highly adaptable variety consistently performs well in a range of conditions, especially heat stress, and so a good choice for specialty markets.

An orange cauliflower was was first discovered in 1970 in a field of white ones near Toronto. This small carotene-rich sport was not toothsome, but breeding work began to increase size and flavor, while keeping the desirable color. Michael Dickson did this cross breeding and selection for decades at the Experimental Station in Geneva, NY. An early releases was Cheddar, a variety carried by Monsanto, so one we would not sell despite its obvious appeal.

I’m a stickler for good taste in raw cauliflower and Flame Star gets high marks for a rich sweet flavor whether raw or cooked. At our warehouse trial table, at the end of the day we tasted cauliflower, Flame Star had disappeared. And that’s the ultimate approval rating. Tested negative for BR and BL. ⑥



3412 Flame Star
Item Discounted
Price
A: 10 seeds for $3.00  
B: 40 seeds for $8.00  
C: 100 seeds for $16.00  
D: 500 seeds for $54.00  
E: 1000 seeds for $95.00  
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Additional Information

Cauliflower

  • Days to maturity are from seedling emergence (subtract 20 days for transplants).
  • About 100–300 seeds/g.

Culture: Cauliflower heads will “button” under stress. Do not allow seedlings to get pot-bound; avoid interruptions in growth. Most varieties can’t stand the heat and are not suitable for summer production. When heads first appear, bend leaves over curd to prevent discoloring. Wire hoops and row cover should be used at early stages to keep out flea beetles and swede midge.

Minimum germination temp 40°, optimal range 55–80°.

Brassicas

Days to maturity are from seedling emergence. Subtract 20 days for transplants.

Note: because of a rule issued by Oregon, we cannot ship brassica packets larger than ½ oz. (14 grams) into the Willamette Valley, except those that have tested negative for Black Leg and Black Rot. Check descriptions for information.

Culture: Start brassicas indoors March-May for setting out May-July, or direct-seed in May, or in June for fall crop. Minimum germination soil temperature 40°, optimal range 55–95°. They need 60s during seedling stage for optimal growth; higher temperatures make seedlings leggy. Easier grown for the fall because many varieties perform poorly in hot summers. For better stands in dry conditions, sow in trenches and keep irrigated. Wire hoops and row cover should be used at early stages to keep out flea beetles and swede midge.

Diseases:

  • BL: Blackleg
  • BR: Black Rot
  • BS: Bacterial Speck
  • DM: Downy Mildew
  • FW: Fusarium Wilt
  • FY: Fusarium Yellows
  • TB: Tipburn
  • WR: White Rust

Pest and Disease Remedies for all Brassicas

Major pests: Cabbage Looper, Diamondback Moth, Imported Cabbageworm
Cultural controls: control cabbage-family weeds near crop fields, till under crop debris of early-season brassicas after harvest.
Material controls: Spinosad, Bt.

Pest: Flea Beetle
Cultural controls: floating row covers, mulch with straw, time plantings for fall harvested crops only, crop rotation, perimeter trap cropping.
Material controls: AzaMax, Spinosad, PyGanic.

Pest: Cabbage Root Maggot
Cultural controls: time planting to avoid first hatching, use row covers, control weeds.

Major diseases: Black Rot, Alternaria Leaf Spot, Blackleg, Club Root, Downy Mildew, White Mold
Cultural controls: avoid transplanting plants with yellow leaves or v-shaped lesions, crop rotation, destroy crop debris after harvest, avoid overhead irrigation, control weeds, allow for good air movement.
Material controls: Copper.

Swede Midge—not as cute as it sounds!

Alert! Heading brassicas in the Northeast are seeing consistent damage from swede midge, a tiny gall midge. Its effects result in a non-heading plant. Wire hoops and row cover at early stages of heading brassica crops are becoming crucial for success. Some research also suggests garlic sprays as a possible organic repellent. Consult your Cooperative Extension resources for further information.

Germination Testing

For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.