Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cauliflower in Mississippi

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 Mississippi's humid climate. Mississippi gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Rich delta soils in west. Heavy clay in many areas. Sandy in pine belt. Acidic throughout.

Mississippi Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Mississippi 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
Central Mississippi 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25
Southern Mississippi 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 5 Nov 15 - Dec 5

Cauliflower Planting Schedule for Mississippi

Northern Mississippi (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

Central Mississippi (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 Mississippi (Zones 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 5 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

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

Growing Cauliflower in Mississippi

Cauliflower in Mississippi'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 Mississippi

Rich delta soils in west. Heavy clay in many areas. Sandy in pine belt. Acidic throughout.

Mississippi Climate & Growing Season

Long growing season. Hot, humid summers. Mild winters. Two-season gardening possible.

Growing season length varies across Mississippi: Northern Mississippi (7b, 8a) has a last frost around Mar 15 - Apr 1, while Southern Mississippi (8b, 9a) sees frost end around Feb 15 - Mar 5. 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 Mississippi, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Mississippi gardeners should plan around a Mar 15 - Apr 1 last frost, while those in Southern Mississippi 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 Mississippi Planting Calendar All plants for Mississippi 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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