When to plant cabbage in Leavenworth, WA

Start cabbage from seed indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11, then plant the young plants in the garden in Leavenworth Apr 15 – May 20. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 8–22.

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

Leavenworth's typical last spring frost is May 10. 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.

How to grow cabbage in Leavenworth

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.
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 15 – May 20, 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 8–22 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 Leavenworth, WA?

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

Is it too late to plant cabbage in Leavenworth?

The spring planting window runs through May 20. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 8 to July 22.

When should I start cabbage from seed indoors in Leavenworth?

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.

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 Leavenworth around the same time

Planting dates for cabbage in nearby areas

Wenatchee, WA Apr 1 – May 6
Omak and Okanogan, WA Apr 15 – May 20
Chelan, WA Apr 1 – May 6
Winthrop and Twisp, WA Apr 17 – May 22
Ellensburg, WA Apr 15 – May 20
Spokane, WA Apr 15 – May 20

Full planting calendar for Leavenworth · Cabbage in every city