When to Plant Cauliflower in Huerfano 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.
Huerfano County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.
At an elevation of 7,235 feet, Huerfano County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, 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.
Huerfano County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Huerfano County, CO
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Fall Sowing | July 22 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
55–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
141 days
Growing Tips for Huerfano 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
Level Up Your Garden
Cauliflower in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cauliflower in Huerfano County, CO?
Huerfano County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Huerfano County, CO?
Huerfano County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Huerfano County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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