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A white cauliflower head forming in the middle of a leafy plant
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When to plant cauliflower in Burns, OR

Start cauliflower from seed indoors Mar 26 – Apr 9, then plant the young plants in the garden in Burns May 14 – Jun 11.

Tricky here Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Burns's typical last spring frost is June 11. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

High desert and mountains. Central and high eastern Oregon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.

Difficulty
Tricky here
Sun
Full sun
Spacing
18 to 24 inches apart
Planting depth
Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot
Frost
Handles light frost
First harvest
About 75 days after planting

Step by step

  1. Start seeds indoors Mar 26 – Apr 9 in trays or small pots under a grow light or in your sunniest window. Or skip this step and buy young plants (starts) at a garden center.
  2. Harden off the young plants: about a week before planting, set them outside for a few hours a day, a little longer each day.
  3. Plant them in the garden May 14 – Jun 11, 18 to 24 inches apart. Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot.
  4. Water deeply once or twice a week rather than a little every day, and mulch once the soil is warm.
  5. Harvest: Cut the head while it's firm and tight, before the curds start to separate. Tie the outer leaves over young heads to keep them white.

Varieties that do well here

  • Snow Crown
  • Amazing
  • Graffiti (purple)

Watch out for

A cold snap or dry spell makes plants form tiny 'button' heads. Keep the soil evenly moist and don't rush spring planting.

Fussier than broccoli: a setback from a cold snap or dry soil makes tiny 'button' heads. Fall crops are often the most reliable here.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Burns, OR?

Typically June 11. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 28. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Burns Municipal Airport.

Is it too late to plant cauliflower in Burns?

The spring planting window runs through June 11. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

When should I start cauliflower from seed indoors in Burns?

March 26 to April 9, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the May 14 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Burns around the same time

Planting dates for cauliflower in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Burns · Cauliflower in every city