Rainline Garden

When to plant cabbage in Yakima, WA

Start cabbage from seed indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6, then plant the young plants in the garden in Yakima Apr 10 – May 15. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 12–26.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Yakima's typical last spring frost is May 8. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

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

  1. Start seeds indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6 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 Apr 10 – May 15, 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 12–26 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 Yakima, WA?

Typically May 8. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 27. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Yakima Air Terminal.

Is it too late to plant cabbage in Yakima?

The spring planting window runs through May 15. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 12 to July 26.

When should I start cabbage from seed indoors in Yakima?

February 20 to March 6, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the April 10 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Yakima around the same time

Planting dates for cabbage in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Yakima · Cabbage in every city