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A green cabbage head wrapped in its outer leaves
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When to plant cabbage in Medford, OR

Start cabbage from seed indoors Jan 25 – Feb 8, then plant the young plants in the garden in Medford Mar 15 – Apr 19. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 23 – Aug 6.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Medford's typical last spring frost is April 8. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the west-side valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about March 15.

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.

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 Jan 25 – Feb 8 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 Mar 15 – Apr 19, 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 23 – Aug 6 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 Medford, OR?

Typically April 8. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 30. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Medford Rogue Valley Airport.

Is it too late to plant cabbage in Medford?

The spring planting window runs through April 19. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 23 to August 6.

When should I start cabbage from seed indoors in Medford?

January 25 to February 8, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the March 15 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Medford around the same time

Planting dates for cabbage in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Medford · Cabbage in every city