When to Plant Cauliflower in Madison County, OH
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.
Madison County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 674 feet, Madison County receives approximately 35.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Cauliflower to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 cauliflower plants in about 24 sq ft. In Madison County's 181-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Madison County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Madison County, OH
Cauliflower Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
181 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Madison 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cauliflower in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cauliflower in Madison County, OH?
Madison County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, OH?
Madison County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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.