When to Plant Cauliflower in Ashland County, WI
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.
Ashland County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 705 feet, Ashland County receives approximately 30.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cauliflower to ensure they mature before fall.
Ashland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
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 — Ashland County, WI
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 5 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 3b
Growing Season
130 days
Growing Tips for Ashland 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 Ashland County, WI?
Ashland County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ashland County, WI?
Ashland County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ashland County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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