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When to Plant Cauliflower in Jackson County, TN

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.

Jackson County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.

At an elevation of 1,976 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 51.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cauliflower during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cauliflower root diseases.

Jackson County, TN (Zone 7a) Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7

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 Jackson County's 198-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 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jackson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Jackson County, TN

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Aug 7
Fall Sowing August 16 Aug 16 – Aug 30

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

55–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

198 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson 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 Jackson County, TN?

Jackson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, TN?

Jackson County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.

🌱

Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.