When to plant cauliflower
Cauliflower tolerates light frost, so start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost; transplant from 2 weeks before the last frost up to the frost date; for a fall crop, transplant 10–12 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 45°F.
Cauliflower dates for Columbus, Ohio (example)
Example dates. Enter your ZIP above for your own.
| Start indoors | Feb 9–23 |
|---|---|
| Transplant outside | Apr 6–20 |
| Transplant for fall | Aug 1–15 |
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Aug 12 |
| Soil temperature | 45°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 55–80 |
| Spacing | 18–24 in apart |
Your cauliflower year
- Start indoors
- Transplant outside
- Transplant for fall
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for cauliflower
- Cauliflower is the fussiest brassica: any check in growth (cold, drought, root-bound) can cause small heads.
- Tie outer leaves over white heads when they reach egg size to keep them from yellowing.
- In most regions a fall crop is more reliable than spring.
Work out indoor sowing for everything at once with the seed starting calculator.
When to plant cauliflower in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Transplant | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Mar 16–30 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 13–27 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Jan 11–25 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Oct 2–16 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Oct 11–25 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Mar 16–30 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Sep 6–20 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Mar 10–24 | Aug 16–30 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | Apr 16–30 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 17–31 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | Apr 9–23 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 10–24 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Aug 8–22 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Feb 11–25 | Sep 8–22 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Mar 17–31 | Aug 16–30 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | Apr 6–20 | Aug 1–15 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Mar 16–30 | Aug 11–25 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | Apr 7–21 | Aug 8–22 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Mar 14–28 | Aug 16–30 |
Cauliflower planting FAQ
When should I plant cauliflower?
Cauliflower tolerates light frost, so start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost; transplant from 2 weeks before the last frost up to the frost date; for a fall crop, transplant 10–12 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 45°F.
How many days until cauliflower is ready to harvest?
Most cauliflower varieties take about 55–80 days from transplanting. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can cauliflower survive frost?
A light frost, yes; a hard freeze below about 28°F can damage them. Cover young plants on very cold nights.
How far apart should I plant cauliflower?
Space cauliflower 18–24 in apart.
What is the last date I can plant cauliflower?
Count the variety's days to maturity back from your first fall frost, allowing a week or two extra because cauliflower tolerates light frost. Enter your ZIP code on this page and Seasonwise calculates the date for you.
Ask about growing cauliflower
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.