Rainline Garden

When to plant cauliflower in Ellensburg, WA

Start cauliflower from seed indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11, then plant the young plants in the garden in Ellensburg Apr 15 – May 13. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 8–22.

Tricky here Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Ellensburg's typical last spring frost is April 28. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 15.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

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 25 – Mar 11 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 15 – May 13, 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 8–22 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 Ellensburg, WA?

Typically April 28. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 12. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Ellensburg Bowers Field.

Is it too late to plant cauliflower in Ellensburg?

The spring planting window runs through May 13. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 8 to July 22.

When should I start cauliflower from seed indoors in Ellensburg?

February 25 to March 11, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the April 15 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Ellensburg around the same time

Planting dates for cauliflower in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Ellensburg · Cauliflower in every city