When to Plant Cauliflower in Rappahannock 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.
Rappahannock County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 370 feet, Rappahannock County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season.
Rappahannock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Rappahannock County, VA
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
55–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
181 days
Growing Tips for Rappahannock 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
Level Up Your Garden
Cauliflower in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cauliflower in Rappahannock County, VA?
Rappahannock County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rappahannock County, VA?
Rappahannock County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Rappahannock County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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