Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Cauliflower in Tennessee

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 Tennessee's humid climate. Tennessee gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain...

Tennessee Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
East Tennessee 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Middle Tennessee 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
West Tennessee 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Cauliflower Planting Schedule for Tennessee

East Tennessee (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - 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

Middle Tennessee (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · 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

West Tennessee (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

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

Growing Cauliflower in Tennessee

Cauliflower in Tennessee'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 Tennessee

Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain soils in east.

Tennessee Climate & Growing Season

Mild four-season climate. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall. Good growing season for wide variety of crops.

Growing season length varies across Tennessee: East Tennessee (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 25, while West Tennessee (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Mar 25 - Apr 10. 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 Tennessee, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. East Tennessee gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 25 last frost, while those in West Tennessee 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 Tennessee Planting Calendar All plants for Tennessee 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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