When to plant cauliflower in zone 4a — planting calendar

Growing SeasonZone 4a

Last frost ~May 7First frost ~Oct 13Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Mar 26 · Transplant Apr 16 · First harvest Jun 25 · Wrap by Jul 16

Last spring frostMay 7

Start seeds indoorsMar 26

Transplant outApr 16

First harvestJun 25

Last harvestJul 16

Fall succession sowJul 7

First fall frostOct 13

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 7 and first fall frost Oct 13 — about 159 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 Jul 7 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 16 and first picking around Jun 25.

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 7) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 13).

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

Yes — in zone 4a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 7 for a second harvest before frost.

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

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