When to Plant Cauliflower in Yuma 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.
Yuma County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 7,664 feet, Yuma County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season.
Yuma County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.9
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 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Yuma County, CO
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Sep 7 |
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 5a
Growing Season
147 days
Growing Tips for Yuma 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 Yuma County, CO?
Yuma County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yuma County, CO?
Yuma County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Yuma County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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