When to plant cauliflower in zone 9a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAY

Start indoors Jan 17 · Transplant Feb 7 · First harvest Apr 18 · Wrap by May 9

Last spring frostFeb 28

Start seeds indoorsJan 17

Transplant outFeb 7

First harvestApr 18

Last harvestMay 9

Fall succession sowAug 24

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 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 Aug 24 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does cauliflower take to grow in zone 9a?

Cauliflower matures in about 70–100 days from transplanting. In zone 9a that means setting plants out around Feb 7 and first picking around Apr 18.

Will cauliflower survive frost in zone 9a?

Yes — cauliflower tolerates light frost. In zone 9a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Feb 28) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

Can I plant a second crop of cauliflower in zone 9a?

Yes — in zone 9a there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 24 for a second harvest before frost.

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