When to plant cabbage in Sequim, WA

Start cabbage from seed indoors Feb 3–17, then plant the young plants in the garden in Sequim Mar 24 – Apr 28. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 23 – Aug 6.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Sequim's typical last spring frost is April 21. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

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 Feb 3–17 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 24 – Apr 28, 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 Sequim, WA?

Typically April 21. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 7. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Sequim.

Is it too late to plant cabbage in Sequim?

The spring planting window runs through April 28. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 23 to August 6.

When should I start cabbage from seed indoors in Sequim?

February 3 to February 17, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the March 24 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Sequim around the same time

Planting dates for cabbage in nearby areas

Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA Apr 1 – May 6
Forks, WA Apr 1 – May 6
Port Angeles, WA Mar 15 – Apr 19
Port Townsend, WA Mar 15 – Apr 19
Long Beach and Ilwaco, WA Apr 1 – May 6
Portland, OR Mar 15 – Apr 19

Full planting calendar for Sequim · Cabbage in every city