Blog

When to plant Cauliflower in Will County, IL

For Will County, gardeners: plant Cauliflower April 9 through April 30 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cauliflower in Will 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.

Will County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 655 feet, Will County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cauliflower to ensure they mature before fall.

Will County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Will 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 Will County's 177-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Will County, IL

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 – Aug 20
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Will County

Growing Tips for Will 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 Will County, IL?

Will County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Will County, IL?

Will County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Cauliflower in Will County, IL?

In Will County, IL, plant Cauliflower after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Will County, IL for Cauliflower?

Will County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cauliflower grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cauliflower grow in Will County's climate?

Yes — Cauliflower grows well in Will County's temperate climate. Will County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Will County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Will County (Zone 6a). 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 Will County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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