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When to Plant Cauliflower in Grimes 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.

Grimes County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 25 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 279 days.

At an elevation of 33 feet, Grimes County receives approximately 65.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season. 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.

Grimes County, TX (Zone 8b) Year-round
279 days
Last Spring Frost February 25
279 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Grimes County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (164 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 8 Transplant: Feb 12 🍅 Harvest: Apr 9 – Jun 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (160 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 21 Transplant: Feb 25 🍅 Harvest: Apr 22 – Jun 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (163 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Mar 11 🍅 Harvest: May 6 – Jul 8

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
1.0″/week
You supply
1.2″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,907 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cauliflower needs ~1,414 GDD — county provides 5,110 GDD Excellent fit

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Grimes County, TX

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 21 Jan 21 โ€“ Feb 4
Transplant Outdoors February 25 Feb 25 โ€“ Mar 11
Direct Sow February 11 Feb 11 โ€“ Mar 4
Fall Sowing September 22 Sep 22 โ€“ Oct 6
Harvest April 22 Apr 22 โ€“ Jun 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Season

279 days

Growing Tips for Grimes 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 Grimes County, TX?

Grimes County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 25. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Grimes County, TX?

Grimes County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 25 and first fall frost is December 1.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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