Rainline Garden

When to plant cabbage in Ellensburg, WA

Start cabbage from seed indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11, then plant the young plants in the garden in Ellensburg Apr 15 – May 20. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 15–29.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Ellensburg's typical last spring frost is April 28. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 15.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

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

Step by step

  1. Start seeds indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11 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 Apr 15 – May 20, 18 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. Plant again Jul 15–29 for a fall harvest.
  6. Harvest: Cut when heads feel firm when squeezed. Water evenly to keep heads from splitting.

Varieties that do well here

  • Golden Acre
  • Early Jersey Wakefield
  • January King (winter)

Watch out for

Cabbage worms and root maggots. Row cover from planting day prevents both.

Even watering prevents split heads.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Ellensburg, WA?

Typically April 28. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 12. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Ellensburg Bowers Field.

Is it too late to plant cabbage in Ellensburg?

The spring planting window runs through May 20. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 15 to July 29.

When should I start cabbage from seed indoors in Ellensburg?

February 25 to March 11, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the April 15 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Ellensburg around the same time

Planting dates for cabbage in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Ellensburg · Cabbage in every city