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When to Plant Cauliflower in Nacogdoches 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.

Nacogdoches County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.

At an elevation of 21 feet, Nacogdoches County receives approximately 64.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, 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.

Nacogdoches County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
254 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
254 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Nacogdoches County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (138 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – Jun 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (135 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: May 2 – Jul 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (128 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 23 Transplant: Mar 30 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Jul 27

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
1.1″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,189 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cauliflower needs ~1,356 GDD — county provides 4,445 GDD Excellent fit

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Nacogdoches County, TX

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 โ€“ Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors March 7 Mar 7 โ€“ Mar 21
Direct Sow February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 14
Fall Sowing September 7 Sep 7 โ€“ Sep 21
Harvest May 2 May 2 โ€“ Jul 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
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

254 days

Growing Tips for Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches County, TX?

Nacogdoches County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nacogdoches County, TX?

Nacogdoches County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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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 Nacogdoches County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.