Cauliflower Planting Guide
Versatile cool-season crop with dense, creamy-white heads
Best Time and Place to Plant Cauliflower
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Cauliflower in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 18 inches apart, 24 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 75F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Keep consistently moist with 1-1.5 inches per week
- Days to harvest: 75
Fertilization
- High-nitrogen 21-0-0 synthetic: Side-dress at 3 and 6 weeks
- Blood Meal organic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft before planting
- Compost organic: 3 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Onions
- Beets
- Celery
- Sage
Avoid Planting Near
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Strawberries
Harvest Signs
- Head is compact, white, and 6-8 inches across
- Curds are tightly packed before they separate
- Blanch by tying leaves over head when 2-3 inches wide
- Harvest before yellow discoloration or loosening
FAQs
When should I plant Cauliflower?
Cauliflower planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Cauliflower?
The best time of year to plant Cauliflower is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Cauliflower?
Plant Cauliflower in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Cauliflower?
Plant Cauliflower about 18 inches apart, with rows around 24 inches apart.
What grows well with Cauliflower?
Cauliflower is commonly paired with Onions, Beets, Celery, Sage.