When to Plant Cauliflower in Pittsburg County, OK
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.
Pittsburg County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.
At an elevation of 620 feet, Pittsburg County receives approximately 32.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season.
Pittsburg County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Pittsburg County
How your county's soil matches Cauliflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6โ7.2) overlaps with Cauliflower's range (6.0โ7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Pittsburg County is excellent for Cauliflower โ good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Cauliflower.
How to Plant Cauliflower
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cauliflower
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 23.
Plant Water Budget
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 | 0.9" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 1.1" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | โ | 1.8" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | ๐ง Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Dec | โ | 1" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (AprโNov in Pittsburg County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cauliflower Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ Pittsburg County, OK
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 โ Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 โ Apr 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 โ Apr 11 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 โ Aug 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 โ Sep 6 |
Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | โ |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | โ |
| November | โ |
| December | โ |
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
๐ง Water
1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week
๐ Days to Maturity
55โ100 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 6โ7 ยท Your soil: acceptable
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
๐ Growing Season
211 days in Pittsburg County
Growing Tips for Cauliflower in Pittsburg County
Direct sow Cauliflower outdoors after April 04 in Pittsburg County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cauliflower in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Pittsburg County, OK?
Pittsburg County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pittsburg County, OK?
Pittsburg County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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