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When to Plant Cauliflower in Atkinson County, GA

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.

Atkinson County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 193 feet, Atkinson County receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Cauliflower may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cauliflower, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cauliflower root diseases.

Atkinson County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Atkinson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (145 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 21 Transplant: Feb 25 🍅 Harvest: Apr 22 – Jun 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (143 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 30 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: May 1 – Jul 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (145 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 19 Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: May 21 – Jul 23

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,348 gal / 100 sq ft
Cauliflower needs ~1,647 GDD — county provides 5,567 GDD Excellent fit

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Atkinson County, GA

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 30 Jan 30 โ€“ Feb 13
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 โ€“ Mar 20
Direct Sow February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 13
Fall Sowing September 14 Sep 14 โ€“ Sep 28
Harvest May 1 May 1 โ€“ Jul 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
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 8b

Growing Season

262 days

Growing Tips for Atkinson 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 Atkinson County, GA?

Atkinson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Atkinson County, GA?

Atkinson County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 23.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Atkinson County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Atkinson County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.