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When to Plant Cauliflower in Mitchell County, TX

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.

Mitchell County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 2,287 feet, Mitchell County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Cauliflower may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Mitchell County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Mitchell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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 Mitchell County's 228-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Cauliflower Planting Timeline — Mitchell County, TX

Cauliflower Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 11
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 – Apr 4
Harvest May 23 May 23 – Jul 25
Fall Sowing September 2 Sep 2 – Sep 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September Fall Sowing
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

228 days in Mitchell County

Growing Tips for Mitchell 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 Mitchell County, TX?

Mitchell County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Cauliflower planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mitchell County, TX?

Mitchell County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 11.

🌱

Your Mitchell County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mitchell County (Zone 8a). 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 Mitchell County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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