When to plant cabbage in Enterprise and Joseph, OR

Start cabbage from seed indoors Mar 8–22, then plant the young plants in the garden in Enterprise and Joseph Apr 26 – May 31. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 9–23.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Enterprise and Joseph's typical last spring frost is May 24. 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: 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

Start seeds indoors Mar 8–22 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 Apr 26 – May 31, 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 9–23 for a fall harvest.
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 Enterprise and Joseph, OR?

Typically May 24. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by July 6. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Joseph.

Is it too late to plant cabbage in Enterprise and Joseph?

The spring planting window runs through May 31. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 9 to July 23.

When should I start cabbage from seed indoors in Enterprise and Joseph?

March 8 to March 22, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the April 26 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Enterprise and Joseph around the same time

Planting dates for cabbage in nearby areas

Baker City, OR Apr 27 – Jun 1
Pendleton, OR Apr 1 – May 6
The Dalles, OR Apr 1 – May 6
Hood River, OR Apr 1 – May 6
Hermiston, OR Apr 1 – May 6
Ontario, OR Apr 1 – May 6

Full planting calendar for Enterprise and Joseph · Cabbage in every city