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When to plant Cauliflower in Cass County, IA

Cass County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Plant Cauliflower between April 11 (after last frost on April 25) and May 2. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cauliflower in Cass County, IA

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.

Cass County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.

At an elevation of 1,043 feet, Cass County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season.

Cass County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
167 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
167 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Cass 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 Cass County's 167-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Cass County, IA

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Aug 22
Fall Sowing July 31 Jul 31 – Aug 14

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 Fall Sowing 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 5b

📆 Growing Season

167 days in Cass County

Growing Tips for Cass 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 Cass County, IA?

Cass County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cass County, IA?

Cass County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Cauliflower in Cass County, IA?

In Cass County, IA, plant Cauliflower after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cass County, IA for Cauliflower?

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

Can Cauliflower grow in Cass County's climate?

Yes — Cauliflower grows well in Cass County's temperate climate. Cass County averages a 167-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 9.

🌱

Your Cass County Garden Planner — Free

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

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

Sources & credits

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