When to plant cauliflower in zone 9b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9B

Growing SeasonZone 9b

Last frost ~Feb 15First frost ~Dec 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAY

Start indoors Jan 4 · Transplant Jan 25 · First harvest Apr 5 · Wrap by Apr 26

Last spring frostFeb 15

Start seeds indoorsJan 4

Transplant outJan 25

First harvestApr 5

Last harvestApr 26

Fall succession sowSep 3

First fall frostDec 10

Why these dates work in zone 9b

Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 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 Sep 3 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

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

Cauliflower matures in about 70–100 days from transplanting. In zone 9b that means setting plants out around Jan 25 and first picking around Apr 5.

Will cauliflower survive frost in zone 9b?

Yes — cauliflower tolerates light frost. In zone 9b you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around Feb 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 10).

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

Yes — in zone 9b there's time for a fall sowing around Sep 3 for a second harvest before frost.

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