Blog

When to Plant Cauliflower in Willacy 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.

Willacy County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 4 and the first fall frost is December 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.

At an elevation of 1,085 feet, Willacy County receives approximately 65.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102ยฐF, so Cauliflower may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cauliflower root diseases.

Willacy County, TX (Zone 9b) Year-round
321 days
Last Spring Frost February 4
321 growing days
First Fall Frost December 22

Willacy County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (214 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 20 Transplant: Jan 17 🍅 Harvest: Mar 14 – May 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (202 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 7 Transplant: Feb 4 🍅 Harvest: Apr 1 – Jun 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (179 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Mar 4 🍅 Harvest: Apr 29 – Jul 1

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
1.3″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 3,750 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cauliflower needs ~2,054 GDD — county provides 8,533 GDD Excellent fit

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Willacy County, TX

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 7 Jan 7 โ€“ Jan 21
Transplant Outdoors February 4 Feb 4 โ€“ Feb 18
Direct Sow January 14 Jan 14 โ€“ Feb 4
Fall Sowing October 27 Oct 27 โ€“ Nov 10
Harvest April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Jun 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March โ€”
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October Fall Sowing
November Fall Sowing
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 9b

Growing Season

321 days

Growing Tips for Willacy 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 Willacy County, TX?

Willacy County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 4. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Willacy County, TX?

Willacy County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 4 and first fall frost is December 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Willacy County gardeners in Zone 9b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Willacy County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.