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When to Plant Cauliflower in Scotts Bluff County, NE

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.

Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 1,080 feet, Scotts Bluff County receives approximately 32.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cauliflower to ensure they mature before fall.

Scotts Bluff County, NE (Zone 4b) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 25

Scotts Bluff County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Cauliflower to Grow

1-2 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cauliflower plants in about 24 sq ft. In Scotts Bluff County's 135-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 โ€” 2.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct โ€” 2.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Scotts Bluff County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Scotts Bluff County, NE

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 โ€“ May 27
Direct Sow May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 27
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 โ€“ Sep 9
Fall Sowing July 3 Jul 3 โ€“ Jul 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

55โ€“100 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

135 days in Scotts Bluff County

Growing Tips for Scotts Bluff 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cauliflower in Scotts Bluff County, NE?

Scotts Bluff County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scotts Bluff County, NE?

Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Scotts Bluff County gardeners in Zone 4b 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Scotts Bluff County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.