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When to Plant Cauliflower in Monroe County, OH

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.

Monroe County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 567 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 31.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season.

Monroe County, OH (Zone 6a) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 11 Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 12

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

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,389 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cauliflower needs ~1,066 GDD — county provides 2,420 GDD Excellent fit

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Monroe County, OH

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Direct Sow April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ May 4
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 โ€“ Aug 25
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

55โ€“100 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

176 days

Growing Tips for Monroe 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cauliflower in Monroe County, OH?

Monroe County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, OH?

Monroe County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Monroe County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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