Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cauliflower in Ohio

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

The Short Answer

Cauliflower is Ohio's most demanding brassica — more temperamental than broccoli and less forgiving of temperature swings. But Ohio gardeners who master the timing are rewarded with gorgeous, tight white heads that justify the extra attention. Fall is the better season in Ohio, as the gradually cooling temperatures favor head formation.

Ohio Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Ohio 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Ohio 6a, 6b Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Ohio 6b Apr 15 - Apr 30 Oct 15 - Oct 30

Cauliflower Planting Schedule for Ohio

Northern Ohio (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · 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 Ohio (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · 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 Ohio (Zones 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - Apr 30 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Oct 30

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

Growing Cauliflower in Ohio

State-Specific Growing Tips

Spring: start indoors 6 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks before last frost. Fall (superior): start indoors late June, transplant late July. Cauliflower is a heavy feeder — amend generously with compost and side-dress with nitrogen. Blanch white varieties by tying outer leaves over the head when it reaches 2-3 inches across, or grow self-blanching varieties. Ohio's clay needs compost for good head development.

Recommended Varieties for Ohio

Snow Crown (50 days, reliable). Amazing (75 days, large). Self-blanching varieties save work: Freemont, Attribute. For color: Graffiti (purple), Cheddar (orange). Ohio State Extension recommends fall cauliflower for first-time growers.

Common Challenges in Ohio

Buttoning (premature tiny heads) from temperature stress — transplants exposed to temperatures below 45°F or above 80°F can button. Cabbage worms — Bt is essential. Browning of curds from sun exposure — blanch or choose self-blanching varieties. The crop demands more consistent conditions than broccoli.

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 Ohio with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Ohio gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Southern Ohio sees frost end around Apr 15 - Apr 30. 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 Ohio Planting Calendar All plants for Ohio 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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