When to Plant Cauliflower in Smith County, KS
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.
Smith County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,048 feet, Smith County receives approximately 26.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cauliflower to ensure they mature before fall.
Smith County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Smith County
How your county's soil matches Cauliflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.3) overlaps with Cauliflower's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Smith County is excellent for Cauliflower — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Cauliflower is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Cauliflower.
How to Plant Cauliflower
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cauliflower
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Smith County, KS
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Smith County
Growing Tips for Cauliflower in Smith County
Direct sow Cauliflower outdoors after April 23 in Smith County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cauliflower in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Smith County, KS?
Smith County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Smith County, KS?
Smith County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Smith County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.