When to plant cauliflower

Cauliflower (cool-season heading brassica) is classed semi hardy in the cited extension guidance. The timing rules below are relative to your local freeze dates — enter a location to turn them into calendar dates.

The rules this site applies
MethodFrost-relative windowRule & reconciliation
Start seeds indoors8–6 weeks before the median last spring freezeSow 4–6 weeks before the set-out window opens (UNH 4–6 weeks; Missouri G6570 6–8 weeks).
Transplant outdoors2 weeks before the median last spring freeze, up to the freeze dateUNH: set out 2 weeks before the last frost; Purdue's semi-hardy class allows 2–4 weeks before. The later UNH point is used, with a 14-day span.

Seed germination soil temperature: optimum 80°F (optimum range 45–85°F); minimum 40°F, maximum 100°F. Purdue HO-186-W Table 3. Cold soil below the minimum rots seed — a reason windows and soil readings both matter.

Variety assumption: Assumes an average variety (about 55–75 days from transplant).

Crop rule sources (3)
Reviewed city pages for cauliflower
Related crops

Bok choy · Mustard greens · Sweet Alyssum · Broccoli · Brussels sprouts · Cabbage