Blog

When to plant Cauliflower in Jo Daviess County, IL

Plant Cauliflower in Jo Daviess County after April 24; the prime window is April 10–May 1. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cauliflower in Jo Daviess County, IL

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.

Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.

At an elevation of 501 feet, Jo Daviess County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season.

Jo Daviess County, IL (Zone 5a) Moderate season
170 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
170 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Jo Daviess County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Cauliflower to Grow

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

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cauliflower plants in about 24 sq ft. In Jo Daviess County's 170-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Jo Daviess County, IL

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Aug 21
Fall Sowing August 2 Aug 2 – Aug 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

170 days in Jo Daviess County

Growing Tips for Jo Daviess 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cauliflower in Jo Daviess County, IL?

Jo Daviess County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jo Daviess County, IL?

Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.

When should I plant Cauliflower in Jo Daviess County, IL?

In Jo Daviess County, IL, plant Cauliflower after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jo Daviess County, IL for Cauliflower?

Jo Daviess County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Cauliflower grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cauliflower grow in Jo Daviess County's climate?

Yes — Cauliflower grows well in Jo Daviess County's temperate climate. Jo Daviess County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.

🌱

Your Jo Daviess County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jo Daviess County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jo Daviess County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.