When to Plant Cauliflower in Lee 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.
Lee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 275 days.
At an elevation of 1,174 feet, Lee County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Cauliflower may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.1-8.2
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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Cauliflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.1–8.2) is more alkaline than Cauliflower prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Your clay soil in Lee County is workable for Cauliflower. Add compost annually to improve structure.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 Aug 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 21.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — 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" — every day above 50°F 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 — Lee County, TX
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 14 | Feb 14 – Mar 7 |
| Harvest | April 25 | Apr 25 – Jun 27 |
| Fall Sowing | September 21 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
275 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Cauliflower in Lee County
Direct sow Cauliflower outdoors after February 28 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lee County's clay soil (37% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cauliflower. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Lee County reach 97°F — grow Cauliflower as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cauliflower in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cauliflower in Lee County, TX?
Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, TX?
Lee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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