When to Plant Cauliflower in Erie County, PA
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.
Erie County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 236 feet, Erie County receives approximately 47.7 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.
Erie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.4
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 — Erie County, PA
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
171 days
Growing Tips for Erie 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 Erie County, PA?
Erie County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Erie County, PA?
Erie County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Erie County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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