When to plant cabbage in Centralia and Chehalis, WA

Start cabbage from seed indoors Feb 4–18, then plant the young plants in the garden in Centralia and Chehalis Mar 25 – Apr 29. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 23 – Aug 6.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Difficulty: Moderate
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 18 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

Why these dates

Centralia and Chehalis's typical last spring frost is April 22. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

West-side valleys. The Willamette Valley, Puget Sound and southern Oregon valleys. Long frost-free seasons, but soil stays cold and wet into May, so warm crops wait for warm soil, not just the last frost.

How to grow cabbage in Centralia and Chehalis

Start seeds indoors Feb 4–18 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.
Harden off the young plants: about a week before planting, set them outside for a few hours a day, a little longer each day.
Plant them in the garden Mar 25 – Apr 29, 18 inches apart. Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot.
Water deeply once or twice a week rather than a little every day, and mulch once the soil is warm.
Plant again Jul 23 – Aug 6 for a fall harvest.
Harvest: Cut when heads feel firm when squeezed. Water evenly to keep heads from splitting.

Key numbers

Soil 50°F or warmerPlant out
6.0–7.5Soil pH
1–1.5 inches a week, evenlyWater
Split heads, root maggotsBiggest risk

Growing notes

What makes the difference in Northwest gardens, in plain language.

Soil and feeding

Cabbage needs fertile soil and steady nitrogen to build a big head. Mix compost and a balanced vegetable fertilizer into the bed before planting, and side-dress once the plants start to fill out. A pH around 6.0 to 7.5 suits it, and keeping the soil from getting too acidic helps prevent clubroot. Mulch after the soil warms to hold moisture and keep weeds down. Like broccoli, set transplants at the depth they grew in the pot and give each one the full 18 inches.

Why heads split

A cabbage head splits when it takes up a lot of water fast, often after a heavy rain or deep soaking that follows a dry spell. The inside grows faster than the outer leaves can stretch. Even watering is the best prevention. If a firm head is ready and big rain is coming, either harvest it or give the plant a twist to break some of its roots, which slows water uptake. Early Jersey Wakefield and Golden Acre are quick, small-headed types for spring, while January King is grown for fall and winter harvest west of the Cascades.

Pests, harvest and storage

Cabbage worms, root maggots and gray aphids all go after cabbage in the Northwest. Row cover from planting day handles the first two, and a strong spray of water knocks aphids back. Slugs also hide between the outer leaves in wet weather. Cut heads when they feel solid when squeezed. A whole, dry head keeps for weeks, even a couple of months, in a cold fridge or cool root cellar. Leave the stump in the ground in mild areas and it may sprout a few small bonus heads.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Centralia and Chehalis, WA?

Typically April 22. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 10. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Centralia.

Is it too late to plant cabbage in Centralia and Chehalis?

The spring planting window runs through April 29. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 23 to August 6.

When should I start cabbage from seed indoors in Centralia and Chehalis?

February 4 to February 18, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the March 25 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Why did my cabbage split open?

A sudden rush of water, from rain or a big watering after dry soil, made the inside grow faster than the outer leaves. Water evenly and harvest heads soon after they firm up. A split head is still fine to eat if you use it soon.

Why isn't my cabbage forming a head?

Common causes are too little nitrogen, too much heat, crowding, or stressed transplants. Give plants rich soil, full sun, 18 inches of space and even water. Fall crops often head more reliably here because they mature in cool weather.

How do I know when cabbage is ready to pick?

Squeeze the head: when it feels firm and solid all the way through, it's ready. Don't wait long after that, since mature heads can split. Cut it at the base with a sharp knife.

Also plant in Centralia and Chehalis around the same time

Planting dates for cabbage in nearby areas

Vancouver, WA Mar 15 – Apr 19
Longview and Kelso, WA Mar 15 – Apr 19
Portland, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Gresham, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Wilsonville and Canby, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Salem, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19

Full planting calendar for Centralia and Chehalis · Cabbage in every city