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When to Plant Cauliflower in Augusta County, VA

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.

Augusta County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 889 feet, Augusta County receives approximately 51.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cauliflower root diseases.

Augusta County, VA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Augusta County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Aug 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (66 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Aug 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 9

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
1.2″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 530 gal / 100 sq ft
Cauliflower needs ~1,182 GDD — county provides 2,821 GDD Excellent fit

Cauliflower Planting Timeline โ€” Augusta County, VA

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 4
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 โ€“ Apr 27
Fall Sowing August 13 Aug 13 โ€“ Aug 27
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 โ€“ Aug 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September โ€”
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 6b

Growing Season

185 days

Growing Tips for Augusta 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 Augusta County, VA?

Augusta County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Augusta County, VA?

Augusta County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Augusta County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Augusta County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.