When to plant cauliflower in zone 4a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 4A

Growing SeasonZone 4a

Last frost ~May 20First frost ~Sep 20Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Apr 8 · Transplant Apr 29 · First harvest Jul 8 · Wrap by Jul 29

Last spring frostMay 20

Start seeds indoorsApr 8

Transplant outApr 29

First harvestJul 8

Last harvestJul 29

Fall succession sowJun 14

First fall frostSep 20

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 20 and first fall frost Sep 20 — about 123 frost-free days. Cauliflower tolerates light frost, so you can set plants out ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 6 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Jun 14 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does cauliflower take to grow in zone 4a?

Cauliflower matures in about 70–100 days from transplanting. In zone 4a that means setting plants out around Apr 29 and first picking around Jul 8.

Will cauliflower survive frost in zone 4a?

Yes — cauliflower tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around May 20) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 20).

Can I plant a second crop of cauliflower in zone 4a?

Yes — in zone 4a there's time for a fall sowing around Jun 14 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full cauliflower growing guide →