Rainline Garden

When to plant cauliflower in Astoria, OR

Start cauliflower from seed indoors Feb 11–25, then plant the young plants in the garden in Astoria Apr 1–29. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 16–30.

Tricky here Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Astoria's typical last spring frost is March 26. On the coast, the soil is usually ready for cauliflower around April 1.

Coast. Mild winters but cool, foggy summers. Frost is rarely the problem; warmth is. Pick early, cool-tolerant varieties of tomatoes and squash.

Difficulty
Tricky here
Sun
Full sun
Spacing
18 to 24 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 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.
  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 1–29, 18 to 24 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 16–30 for a fall harvest.
  6. Harvest: Cut the head while it's firm and tight, before the curds start to separate. Tie the outer leaves over young heads to keep them white.

Varieties that do well here

  • Snow Crown
  • Amazing
  • Graffiti (purple)

Watch out for

A cold snap or dry spell makes plants form tiny 'button' heads. Keep the soil evenly moist and don't rush spring planting.

Fussier than broccoli: a setback from a cold snap or dry soil makes tiny 'button' heads. Fall crops are often the most reliable here.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Astoria, OR?

Typically March 26. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 18. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Astoria Regional Airport.

Is it too late to plant cauliflower in Astoria?

The spring planting window runs through April 29. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 16 to July 30.

When should I start cauliflower from seed indoors in Astoria?

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 Astoria around the same time

Planting dates for cauliflower in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Astoria · Cauliflower in every city