When to Plant Cauliflower in Knox 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.
Knox County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 997 feet, Knox County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cauliflower to ensure they mature before fall.
Knox County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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 — Knox County, MO
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
55–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
183 days
Growing Tips for Knox 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 Knox County, MO?
Knox County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Knox County, MO?
Knox County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Knox County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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