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When to Plant Cauliflower in Edwards County, TX

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.

Edwards County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 4,265 feet, Edwards County receives approximately 61.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102ยฐF, so Cauliflower may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Cauliflower will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cauliflower root diseases.

Edwards County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Edwards County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.8-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jul 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Aug 15

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
1.2″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 752 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cauliflower needs ~2,054 GDD — county provides 5,830 GDD Excellent fit

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Edwards County, TX

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16
Direct Sow March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 9
Fall Sowing August 30 Aug 30 โ€“ Sep 13
Harvest May 28 May 28 โ€“ Jul 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
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 8a

Growing Season

220 days

Growing Tips for Edwards 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 Edwards County, TX?

Edwards County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Edwards County, TX?

Edwards County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 8.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Edwards County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Edwards County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.