When to plant cabbage in Walla Walla, WA

Start cabbage from seed indoors Feb 11–25, then plant the young plants in the garden in Walla Walla Apr 1 – May 6. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 23 – Aug 6.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Walla Walla's typical last spring frost is March 27. In the Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys, the soil is usually ready for cabbage around April 1.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

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 11–25 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 1 – May 6, 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 Walla Walla, WA?

Typically March 27. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 22. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Walla Walla Regional Airport.

Is it too late to plant cabbage in Walla Walla?

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

When should I start cabbage from seed indoors in Walla Walla?

February 11 to February 25, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the April 1 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Walla Walla around the same time

Planting dates for cabbage in nearby areas

Pendleton, OR Apr 1 – May 6
The Dalles, OR Apr 1 – May 6
Yakima, WA Apr 10 – May 15
Wenatchee, WA Apr 1 – May 6
Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland), WA Apr 1 – May 6
Moses Lake, WA Apr 1 – May 6

Full planting calendar for Walla Walla · Cabbage in every city