Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cauliflower in Arkansas

The diva of the brassica family. More temperamental than broccoli but worth the extra attention.

The Short Answer

Cauliflower are cold-tolerant and do well in Arkansas's humid climate. Arkansas gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Heavy clay in lowlands. Rocky soil in Ozarks. Raised beds recommended for drainage.

Arkansas Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Arkansas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Arkansas 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Arkansas 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Southern Arkansas 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Cauliflower Planting Schedule for Arkansas

Northern Arkansas (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Central Arkansas (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Southern Arkansas (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Growing Cauliflower in Arkansas

Cauliflower in Arkansas's Climate

Cauliflower requires the most precise timing of any brassica in warm climates. Your 'cool season' may be warmer than northern states' summers, making heading unpredictable. Choose heat-tolerant varieties bred to head at warmer temperatures. Fall planting targeting head development in December-January is most reliable.

Soil Considerations for Arkansas

Heavy clay in lowlands. Rocky soil in Ozarks. Raised beds recommended for drainage.

Arkansas Climate & Growing Season

Hot, humid summers. Moderate winters. Good growing conditions for most vegetables.

Growing season length varies across Arkansas: Northern Arkansas (6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Arkansas (7b, 8a) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. This difference matters for cauliflower — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Blanch white varieties by tying outer leaves over the head when it reaches 2 inches. Temperature swings cause buttoning.

Companion Planting

Plant cauliflower alongside these companions for better growth:

Beets Celery Onions

Keep cauliflower away from:

Strawberries Tomatoes

The Bottom Line

Cauliflower can be grown successfully across Arkansas, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Arkansas gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 20 last frost, while those in Southern Arkansas can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Cauliflower Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Arkansas Planting Calendar All plants for Arkansas Cauliflower in Alabama Alabama planting dates Cauliflower in Alaska Alaska planting dates Cauliflower in Arizona Arizona planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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