This work deals with the induction period in crystallization fouling on heat transfer surfaces. While the crystal growth period can be calculated, the influencing effects in the initial stage of crystallization fouling are not fully understood and quantified so far. To identify the factors influencing the induction time, experiments with calcium sulfate were performed on modified surfaces. As surface parameters the free surface energy, roughness and topography were determined by drop shape analysis and/or AFM. The visual information by microscopic studies with a SEM shows different behavior in the initial stage of crystallization on modified surfaces at constant process conditions. These microscopic findings could be verified with induction times of fouling experiments, leading to a prediction of the induction time based on surface parameters and supersaturation of the salt solution.