Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cauliflower in Missouri

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 Missouri's humid climate. Missouri gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Rich loess soils along Missouri River. Rocky Ozark soils in south. Heavy clay common. Generally...

Missouri Frost Dates

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

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

Cauliflower Planting Schedule for Missouri

Northern Missouri (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

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

Central Missouri (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · 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

Southern Missouri (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

Growing Cauliflower in Missouri

Cauliflower in Missouri's Climate

Fall cauliflower is more reliable than spring in your climate. The consistent cooling trend from September through October gives cauliflower the steady conditions it demands. Spring plantings risk bolting if temperatures spike above 80°F during heading. Start with fall production before attempting spring.

Soil Considerations for Missouri

Rich loess soils along Missouri River. Rocky Ozark soils in south. Heavy clay common. Generally fertile.

Missouri Climate & Growing Season

Continental climate. Hot, humid summers. Four seasons. Good growing season in most of state.

Growing season length varies across Missouri: Northern Missouri (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Missouri (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. 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 Missouri, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Missouri gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 5 last frost, while those in Southern Missouri 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 Missouri Planting Calendar All plants for Missouri 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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