🥦
Cauliflower Growing Guide
Brassica family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Early Vegetative
- Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | May 11 | — | Jul 10 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | May 11 | — | Jul 10 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | May 1 | — | Jun 30 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | May 11 | — | Jul 10 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | May 8 | — | Jul 7 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | May 1 | — | Jun 30 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | Apr 21 | — | Jun 20 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | Apr 17 | — | Jun 16 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 13 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 13 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 13 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | — | May 31 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | — | May 31 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Mar 27 | — | May 26 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Mar 22 | — | May 21 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Mar 8 | — | May 7 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | — | May 5 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Feb 24 | — | Apr 25 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Feb 6 | — | Apr 7 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | — | Mar 15 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | — | Mar 15 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | — | Mar 2 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | — | Feb 16 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | — | Feb 16 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | — | Feb 16 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | — | Feb 16 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Cauliflower?
Cauliflower takes approximately 75 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Cauliflower need?
Cauliflower requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Cauliflower?
Plant Cauliflower at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Cauliflower survive frost?
Cauliflower is tolerant of moderate frost.
What are good companion plants for Cauliflower?
Good companion plants for Cauliflower include Spinach, Celery, Thyme, Beans. Avoid planting near Tomatoes, Strawberries, Peas.
How long does Cauliflower take to germinate?
Cauliflower seeds germinate in 5-10 days at an optimal temperature of 70°F.
When should I start Cauliflower seeds indoors?
Start Cauliflower seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
- Blanch white varieties by tying outer leaves over the developing curd
- Consistent moisture and cool temperatures are critical for good heads
Common Pests & Diseases
- Cabbage worms
- Aphids
- Black rot
- Clubroot
Harvest Notes
Cut heads when curds are firm, white, and compact (6-8 inches). Do not wait until florets begin to separate.
Plan Your Cauliflower Garden
Track Cauliflower from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
Start Free Learn More
