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When to Plant Cauliflower in Upton 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.

Upton County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.

At an elevation of 1,734 feet, Upton County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, 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.

Upton County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
237 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
237 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Upton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.8-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (119 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 3 Transplant: Mar 10 🍅 Harvest: May 5 – Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (118 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 13 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jul 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Aug 10

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,514 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cauliflower needs ~1,705 GDD — county provides 5,214 GDD Excellent fit

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Upton County, TX

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 โ€“ Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Direct Sow March 6 Mar 6 โ€“ Mar 27
Fall Sowing September 3 Sep 3 โ€“ Sep 17
Harvest May 15 May 15 โ€“ Jul 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
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 7b

Growing Season

237 days

Growing Tips for Upton 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 Upton County, TX?

Upton County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Upton County, TX?

Upton County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Upton County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Upton County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.