When to Plant Cauliflower in Autauga County, AL
Autauga County, Alabama gardeners: here's your May plan
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Basket week: cauliflower
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: cauliflower
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.
Autauga County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.
At an elevation of 80 feet, Autauga County receives approximately 58.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cauliflower, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cauliflower root diseases.
Autauga County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Autauga County
How your county's soil matches Cauliflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Cauliflower's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Autauga County is excellent for Cauliflower — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Cauliflower.
How to Plant Cauliflower
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cauliflower
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 05.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Autauga County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — 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" — every day above 50°F 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 Planting Timeline — Autauga County, AL
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Direct Sow | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 21 |
| Harvest | May 9 | May 9 – Jul 11 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
245 days in Autauga County
Growing Tips for Cauliflower in Autauga County
Direct sow Cauliflower outdoors after March 14 in Autauga County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Autauga County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cauliflower. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Autauga County reach 91°F — grow Cauliflower as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Cauliflower in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cauliflower in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cauliflower in Autauga County, AL?
Autauga County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Autauga County, AL?
Autauga County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Autauga County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Autauga County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.