When to plant Cauliflower in Linn County, KS
For Linn County, gardeners: plant Cauliflower March 26 through April 16 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cauliflower in Linn County, KS
June in the garden — Linn County, Kansas
Welcome to June in Zone 6b. 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.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Linn County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 434 feet, Linn County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season.
Linn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Cauliflower 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 Linn County
How your county's soil matches Cauliflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.2) overlaps with Cauliflower's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Linn County is excellent for Cauliflower — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). 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 Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
Cauliflower Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Linn 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 — Linn County, KS
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Linn County
Growing Tips for Cauliflower in Linn County
Direct sow Cauliflower outdoors after April 09 in Linn County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Linn County, KS?
Linn County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Linn County, KS?
Linn County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Cauliflower in Linn County, KS?
In Linn County, KS, plant Cauliflower after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Linn County, KS for Cauliflower?
Linn County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cauliflower grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cauliflower grow in Linn County's climate?
Yes — Cauliflower grows well in Linn County's temperate climate. Linn County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Linn County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Linn County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.