When to plant cabbage in Portland, OR

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

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Portland's typical last spring frost is March 13. In the west-side valleys, the soil is usually ready for cabbage around 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

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.
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 15 – Apr 19, 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.

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 Portland, OR?

Typically March 13. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 1. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Portland International Airport.

Is it too late to plant cabbage in Portland?

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 Portland?

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 Portland around the same time

Planting dates for cabbage in nearby areas

Gresham, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Wilsonville and Canby, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Salem, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Eugene, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Roseburg, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19
Medford, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19

Full planting calendar for Portland · Cabbage in every city