🥦When to Plant Cauliflower (2026)
Fussier brassica that wants steady cool weather. Transplant early.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Transplant
- Days to harvest: 75
- Spacing: 18" apart
- Sun: Full sun
- Companions: beans, onion, celery
Is Cauliflower right for your USDA zone?
Cauliflower is a cool-season crop, which means it thrives in the mild temperatures of spring and fall. Gardeners in zones 3a through 7b get the longest cauliflower season — you can plant in early spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest. In warmer zones (8a-10b), grow cauliflower as a winter crop from October through February when temperatures are coolest.
Cauliflower needs about 75 days from transplant to harvest, so any zone with at least 89frost-free days can grow it successfully. Check your zone's specific dates in the table below.
How to grow cauliflower
Start cauliflower seeds indoors about 6 weeks before your last spring frost, then harden off and transplant the seedlings once frost danger has passed. Give each plant 18 inches of room in full sun, and keep the soil consistently moist while seeds germinate and plants establish.
Expect roughly 75 days to your first harvest. Watch for cabbage worm, aphids, the most common pests of cauliflower, and scout plants weekly so you can act early. Blanch heads by gathering outer leaves and tying them loosely over the developing curd with string or a rubber band when it reaches 2-3 inches across. This keeps the curd snowy white and prevents bitterness.
Troubleshooting cauliflower
Buttoning—forming tiny, unusable heads prematurely—is caused by temperature swings, drought stress, or root-bound seedlings. Transplant on time (not late), keep soil consistently moist, and choose stress-tolerant varieties.
Growing cauliflower in containers
One plant per 5-gallon pot, but cauliflower is the most challenging brassica for containers. It demands perfectly steady cool temperatures, no check in growth, and consistent moisture from transplant to harvest.
Cauliflower planting dates by zone (2026)
| Zone | Start Indoors | Sow / Transplant | Harvest From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | Apr 3 | May 1 | Jul 15 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | May 1 | Jul 15 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 29 | Apr 26 | Jul 10 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 24 | Apr 21 | Jul 5 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 19 | Apr 16 | Jun 30 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 14 | Apr 11 | Jun 25 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 9 | Apr 6 | Jun 20 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Jun 15 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 27 | Mar 27 | Jun 10 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 22 | Mar 22 | Jun 5 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 11 | Mar 11 | May 25 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 1 | Mar 1 | May 15 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 14 | Feb 11 | Apr 27 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 30 | Jan 27 | Apr 12 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 20 | Jan 17 | Apr 2 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Mar 17 |
Cauliflower planting FAQ
When is the best time to plant cauliflower?
Cauliflower is a cool-season crop. Plant it in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, and again in late summer for a fall harvest. It tolerates light frost. Find the exact date for your USDA zone in the table below.
How long does cauliflower take to grow?
Cauliflower takes about 75 days from transplant to first harvest. Starting seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost gives the plants a head start.
How far apart should I space cauliflower?
Space cauliflower about 18 inches apart in full sun. Proper spacing gives roots room to spread and improves airflow, which reduces disease.
What is the best growing tip for cauliflower?
Blanch heads by gathering outer leaves and tying them loosely over the developing curd with string or a rubber band when it reaches 2-3 inches across. This keeps the curd snowy white and prevents bitterness.
What are common problems with cauliflower?
Buttoning—forming tiny, unusable heads prematurely—is caused by temperature swings, drought stress, or root-bound seedlings. Transplant on time (not late), keep soil consistently moist, and choose stress-tolerant varieties.
Can I grow cauliflower in a container?
One plant per 5-gallon pot, but cauliflower is the most challenging brassica for containers. It demands perfectly steady cool temperatures, no check in growth, and consistent moisture from transplant to harvest.
Can I plant cauliflower for a second harvest?
Yes—and fall cauliflower often outperforms spring-planted. Start seeds indoors in early July in zones 5+ and transplant by early August. Heads mature in September-October cooling weather with fewer pest issues.
What grows well with cauliflower?
Good companion plants for cauliflower are beans, onion, celery. Companion planting can deter pests and make better use of garden space. Rotate where you plant cauliflower each year to keep soil healthy.