When to Plant Cauliflower in Johnson County, MO
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.
Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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
Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Johnson County, MO
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Aug 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
193 days
Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, MO?
Johnson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, MO?
Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Johnson County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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