Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cauliflower in Louisiana

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 Louisiana's humid climate. Louisiana gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Rich alluvial soils in river valleys. Heavy clay in many areas. Acidic throughout. Sandy in some...

Louisiana Frost Dates

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

Region	Zones	Last Frost (Spring)	First Frost (Fall)
Northern Louisiana	8a, 8b	Mar 1 - Mar 15	Nov 10 - Nov 25
Southern Louisiana	9a, 9b	Feb 1 - Feb 20	Dec 1 - Dec 20

Cauliflower Planting Schedule for Louisiana

Northern Louisiana (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Start Seeds Indoors

6 wks before frost

Transplant Outside

2 wks before frost

Fall Planting

10 wks before first frost

Southern Louisiana (Zones 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 1 - Feb 20 · Average first frost: Dec 1 - Dec 20

Start Seeds Indoors

6 wks before frost

Transplant Outside

2 wks before frost

Fall Planting

10 wks before first frost

Growing Cauliflower in Louisiana

Cauliflower in Louisiana'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 Louisiana

Rich alluvial soils in river valleys. Heavy clay in many areas. Acidic throughout. Sandy in some coastal areas.

Louisiana Climate & Growing Season

Subtropical. Long growing season. Very hot and humid summers — some crops need shade. Year-round gardening possible.

Growing season length varies across Louisiana: Northern Louisiana (8a, 8b) has a last frost around Mar 1 - Mar 15, while Southern Louisiana (9a, 9b) sees frost end around Feb 1 - Feb 20. 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 Louisiana, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Louisiana gardeners should plan around a Mar 1 - Mar 15 last frost, while those in Southern Louisiana can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

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