(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 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 release was Cheddar, a variety carried by Monsanto, so one we would not sell despite its appeal.
We're sticklers for good taste in raw cauliflower and Flame Star gets high marks for a rich sweet flavor whether raw or cooked. By the end of our staff taste trial, Flame Star had disappeared. And that’s the ultimate approval rating. Tested negative for BR and BL. ⑥
We have decided to stop carrying varieties sold by Syngenta Group or its subsidiaries, Hollar and Goldsmith. Starting with the 2024 catalog, you will not see any Syngenta Group, or Code 6, varieties listed in our paper catalog. We will continue to sell some varieties online until our in house inventory is gone. Purchasing them will not further support Syngenta Group, but help us limit our losses and lessen the financial impact of our decision.
