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When to Plant Cauliflower in Freestone 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.

Freestone County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.

At an elevation of 398 feet, Freestone County receives approximately 71.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cauliflower, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cauliflower root diseases.

Freestone County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
247 days
Last Spring Frost March 11
247 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Freestone County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.9-7.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 30 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: May 1 – Jul 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (128 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Mar 11 🍅 Harvest: May 6 – Jul 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (123 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 31

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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 629 gal / 100 sq ft
Cauliflower needs ~1,531 GDD — county provides 4,878 GDD Excellent fit

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Freestone County, TX

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 โ€“ Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 โ€“ Mar 25
Direct Sow February 25 Feb 25 โ€“ Mar 18
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 โ€“ Sep 18
Harvest May 6 May 6 โ€“ Jul 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
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

247 days

Growing Tips for Freestone 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cauliflower in Freestone County, TX?

Freestone County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Freestone County, TX?

Freestone County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 13.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Freestone 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 Freestone County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.