When to Plant Cauliflower in Evangeline Parish, LA
Evangeline Parish, Louisiana gardeners: here's your May plan
Here's what deserves your attention in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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It's harvest week for cauliflower
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Evangeline Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 22 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 279 days.
At an elevation of 203 feet, Evangeline Parish receives approximately 59.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cauliflower will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cauliflower root diseases.
Evangeline Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.3
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 Evangeline Parish
How your county's soil matches Cauliflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.3) is more acidic than Cauliflower prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Evangeline Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cauliflower will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cauliflower.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Cauliflower.
How to Plant Cauliflower
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cauliflower
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 03.
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 | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Evangeline Parish). 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 — Evangeline Parish, LA
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Direct Sow | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 22 |
| Harvest | April 19 | Apr 19 – Jun 21 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
279 days in Evangeline Parish
Growing Tips for Cauliflower in Evangeline Parish
Direct sow Cauliflower outdoors after February 22 in Evangeline Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Evangeline Parish dries quickly — mulch Cauliflower with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cauliflower in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cauliflower in Evangeline Parish, LA?
Evangeline Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 22. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Evangeline Parish, LA?
Evangeline Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 22 and first fall frost is November 28.
Your Evangeline Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Evangeline Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.