When to plant Cauliflower in Devils Elbow, MO
In Devils Elbow, plant Cauliflower in spring between March 26 and April 16, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Devils Elbow's last frost averages April 9, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 16 and August 30 — roughly 55–100 days before the first frost on October 25.
When to Plant Cauliflower in Devils Elbow, MO
What to do in July
A quick July briefing for Pulaski County, Missouri gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Basket week: cauliflower
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- First harvests: cauliflower
- Fall sowing: 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.
Devils Elbow, Missouri 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 877 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 35.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season.
Devils Elbow Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.6
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 Devils Elbow
How your county's soil matches Cauliflower's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.6) overlaps with Cauliflower's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Cauliflower — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pulaski 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 — Devils Elbow, MO
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Pulaski County
Growing Tips for Cauliflower in Devils Elbow
Direct sow Cauliflower outdoors after April 09 in Pulaski 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
When should I plant Cauliflower in Devils Elbow, MO?
In Devils Elbow, MO, 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 Devils Elbow, MO for Cauliflower?
Devils Elbow sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cauliflower grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cauliflower grow in Devils Elbow's climate?
Yes — Cauliflower grows well in Devils Elbow's temperate climate. Devils Elbow averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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.