Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cauliflower in Florida

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

The Short Answer

Cauliflower in Florida requires the most precise timing of any cool-season vegetable. The crop needs sustained temperatures between 55-75°F for proper heading — Florida's mild winters can provide this, but temperature spikes during heading are devastating.

Florida Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Cauliflower Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 10 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 10

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

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

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

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

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

Growing Cauliflower in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: transplant October-November. Central Florida: transplant November. South Florida: transplant December. Cauliflower is the most demanding cool-season crop in Florida — only attempt if you can provide consistent conditions. Sandy soils need heavy amendment. Blanch white varieties.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Snow Crown for quick heading. UF/IFAS recommends heat-tolerant varieties that head at warmer temperatures than standard types. Self-blanching varieties reduce labor.

Common Challenges in Florida

Temperature stress causes buttoning — the primary failure mode in Florida. Diamondback moth and cabbage loopers. Downy mildew. The crop is significantly harder than broccoli or cabbage in Florida's variable winter conditions.

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 in Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida Cauliflower in Alabama Alabama planting dates Cauliflower in Alaska Alaska planting dates Cauliflower in Arizona Arizona planting dates Cauliflower in Arkansas Arkansas 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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