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When to Plant Cauliflower in Morgan County, UT

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.

Morgan County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and the first fall frost is August 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 75 days.

At an elevation of 6,439 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 14.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cauliflower to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cauliflower successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Morgan County, UT (Zone 5b) Very short season
75 days
Last Spring Frost June 17
75 growing days
First Fall Frost August 31

Morgan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 6 Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Oct 7
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 13 Transplant: Jun 17 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Oct 14
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 20 Transplant: Jun 24 🍅 Harvest: Aug 19 – Oct 21

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 Morgan County

How your county's soil matches Cauliflower's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.5โ€“8.1) is more alkaline than Cauliflower prefers (6.0โ€“7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Morgan County is excellent for Cauliflower โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Cauliflower is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Cauliflower.

How to Plant Cauliflower

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

How Much Cauliflower to Grow

1-2 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
7.5 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cauliflower plants in about 30 sq ft. In Morgan County's 75-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 395 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

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 โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Oct โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Junโ€“Aug in Morgan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” 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" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF 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 needs ~1,008 GDD — county provides 975 GDD Tight fit

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Morgan County, UT

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 13 May 13 โ€“ May 27
Transplant Outdoors June 17 Jun 17 โ€“ Jul 1
Direct Sow June 3 Jun 3 โ€“ Jun 24
Harvest August 12 Aug 12 โ€“ Oct 14
Fall Sowing June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Jul 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

55โ€“100 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

75 days in Morgan County

Growing Tips for Cauliflower in Morgan County

Direct sow Cauliflower outdoors after June 17 in Morgan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 75.0-day growing season in Morgan County is tight for Cauliflower (55.0-100.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Common pests for Cauliflower in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

Morgan County receives only 14" of rain annually. Cauliflower needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cauliflower in Morgan County, UT?

Morgan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 17. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Morgan County, UT?

Morgan County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and first fall frost is August 31.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Morgan County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Morgan County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.