Seeds for cauliflower Santamaria F1 mid-early hybrid Rijk Zwaan
Cauliflower for hot summers – dense head over 3 kg even under stress.
Cauliflower Santamaria F1 is a leading summer-autumn hybrid from Rijk Zwaan (Netherlands), developed for areas with high temperatures, dry air, and variable weather. Matures in 80 days (summer) and 85–90 days (autumn), with a dense white head over 3 kg and excellent natural leaf coverage. Plant until end of July. Available at theseeds.shop.
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Main Characteristics
- Hybrid: Cauliflower Santamaria F1 ( Santamaria F1 )
- Brand / Breeder: Rijk Zwaan (Netherlands)
- Type: Summer-autumn cauliflower hybrid
- Maturity: 80 days (summer) / 85–90 days (autumn)
- Head weight: Over 3 kg
- Head colour: White, dense
- Leaf coverage: Very good – head is naturally well covered
- Density: High – maintained even at large head weight
- Intended use: Fresh market and processing
- Growing system: Open field
- Planting period: Until end of July
- Application: Suited to areas with high temperatures, dry air, and variable weather
- Stress tolerance: High – stable under adverse climatic conditions
Fruit Appearance
The head of Santamaria F1 is dense, white, and well-formed, reaching over 3 kg under good agronomy. Leaves provide natural, effective coverage, protecting the white curd from sunburn and yellowing in hot conditions. Head density is maintained even at larger sizes – a key advantage for commercial sales and transport.
Plant and Yield
Santamaria F1 is a leading summer-autumn hybrid from Rijk Zwaan, specifically developed for challenging conditions – high temperatures, dry air, and unstable summer and autumn weather. It reaches maturity in 80 days for summer production and 85–90 days for autumn. Planting is recommended until the end of July for an optimal autumn cycle. Delivers stable and predictable yields in conditions where standard hybrids lose quality and commercial value. Find it at theseeds.shop alongside the full Rijk Zwaan cauliflower range.
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What is the recommended plant density, spacing, and seeding rate?
For cauliflower, standard plant density is 2,000–2,500 plants/dka. Recommended spacing is 60–70 cm between rows and 60–70 cm within the row. The seeding rate is 15–20 g transplant/dka at 250–350 seeds/g. Transplants are raised 4–5 weeks before planting, sown at a depth of 0.5–1 cm.
What temperature is needed for cauliflower seed germination?
The minimum germination temperature for cauliflower is 1.3°C and the optimal is 15°C. For summer transplant production, shading and moderate irrigation are important, as very high temperatures can slow germination and stress young seedlings.
Until when should Santamaria F1 be planted and which seasons is it suited to?
Rijk Zwaan recommends planting until the end of July for an autumn cycle with a growing period of 85–90 days. Earlier planting targets summer production with a cycle of approximately 80 days. The hybrid is specifically developed for periods of high temperature and unstable weather, when most standard cauliflower varieties lose head density and commercial appearance.
What are the main risks when growing this hybrid?
In summer-autumn cauliflower production, the main risks are sunburn on the head, yellowing in hot and sunny weather, and loss of curd density during prolonged heat. Santamaria F1 is specifically bred for these conditions – natural leaf coverage reduces the risk of sunburn. Additional attention is needed for diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) control and downy mildew management during autumn rains.
Why choose Santamaria F1 – what problem does it solve?
Santamaria F1 solves the key challenge of summer-autumn cauliflower production – finding a variety that maintains a dense, white head in hot and variable weather. Most hybrids lose density or yellow at temperatures above 25–28°C. Santamaria F1 is the leading choice precisely for these conditions, with good natural leaf coverage and a stable growing cycle of 80 to 90 days depending on the season.


