When to Plant Cauliflower in Baraga County, MI
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.
Baraga County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 575 feet, Baraga County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cauliflower to ensure they mature before fall.
Baraga County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Cauliflower to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cauliflower plants in about 24 sq ft. In Baraga County's 136-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Cauliflower
Cauliflower needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cauliflower Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Baraga County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Baraga County, MI
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | 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
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Baraga County
Growing Tips for Baraga 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cauliflower in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cauliflower in Baraga County, MI?
Baraga County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baraga County, MI?
Baraga County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Baraga County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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