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When to Plant Cauliflower in Fremont County, CO

Cauliflower is a cool-season brassica that produces dense white, purple, or green heads called curds. It is more finicky than broccoli but rewards with a mild, nutty flavor.

Fremont County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 125 days.

At an elevation of 6,575 feet, Fremont County receives approximately 18.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cauliflower to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cauliflower successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Fremont County, CO (Zone 5b) Short season
125 days
Last Spring Frost May 23
125 growing days
First Fall Frost September 25

Fremont County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 6 Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Sep 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 18 Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 11 Transplant: Jun 15 🍅 Harvest: Aug 10 – Oct 12

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
1.1″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,173 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cauliflower needs ~1,008 GDD — county provides 1,625 GDD Excellent fit

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Fremont County, CO

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 2
Transplant Outdoors May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jun 6
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 30
Fall Sowing July 17 Jul 17 โ€“ Jul 31
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 โ€“ Sep 19

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

55โ€“100 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

125 days

Growing Tips for Fremont County

Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before transplanting. Blanch white varieties by tying outer leaves over the head. Provide consistent moisture and avoid temperature extremes.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cauliflower in Fremont County, CO?

Fremont County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fremont County, CO?

Fremont County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Fremont County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Fremont County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.