When to plant cauliflower in Leavenworth, WA

Start cauliflower from seed indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11, then plant the young plants in the garden in Leavenworth Apr 15 – May 13. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 1–15.

Tricky here Plant young plants (starts)

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

Why these dates

Leavenworth's typical last spring frost is May 10. 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.

How to grow cauliflower in Leavenworth

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.
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 15 – May 13, 18 to 24 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 1–15 for a fall harvest.
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.

Key numbers

Soil 50°F or warmerPlant out
6.0–7.0Soil pH
1–1.5 inches a week, evenlyWater
Button headsBiggest risk

Growing notes

What makes the difference in Northwest gardens, in plain language.

Soil and feeding

Cauliflower needs rich, moisture-holding soil with plenty of compost and a pH of about 6.0 to 7.0. It is sensitive to a shortage of boron, a trace nutrient, which can cause hollow stems and brown heads; a good compost or a complete vegetable fertilizer usually covers it. Side-dress with nitrogen about a month after planting. Above all, keep growth steady. Cauliflower has little tolerance for a check in growth, so water evenly and mulch once the soil is warm.

Why cauliflower makes tiny heads

If young plants are stressed by cold, drought, crowding or being root-bound, they can form a small "button" head early instead of a full one. That's why the guide warns against rushing spring planting. Set out young, healthy starts after the worst cold has passed, and don't let them dry out. In the Northwest, fall crops planted in mid-summer are often the most reliable, because heads form in cool, even weather. East of the Cascades, hot early summer weather can also cause loose, ricey heads, which is another reason fall crops shine there.

Blanching, harvest and storage

Sunlight turns white heads yellowish and stronger tasting. When the head is about the size of an egg, pull the outer leaves over it and tie them loosely, or snap a few leaves over the top. Purple types like Graffiti don't need this. Check under the leaves every few days, since heads go from ready to overripe quickly. Cut while the curds are tight and smooth. Cauliflower keeps about a week in the fridge, and blanched florets freeze well.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Leavenworth, WA?

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

Is it too late to plant cauliflower in Leavenworth?

The spring planting window runs through May 13. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 1 to July 15.

When should I start cauliflower from seed indoors in Leavenworth?

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.

Why is my cauliflower head so small?

Stress early in life, from cold snaps, dry soil, or pot-bound transplants, makes plants form small button heads. Plant young starts, keep the soil evenly moist and feed well. Fall crops usually do better in the Northwest.

Why is my cauliflower turning yellow or purple?

Sun exposure discolors white heads. Tie the outer leaves over the head when it's small to keep it pale. The color change is harmless, though the flavor gets a bit stronger.

When should I plant fall cauliflower?

Set out starts in mid-summer so heads form in the cool weather of fall. Keep young plants well watered through late summer heat. Check the planting calendar for your area's dates.

Also plant in Leavenworth around the same time

Planting dates for cauliflower in nearby areas

Wenatchee, WA Apr 1–29
Omak and Okanogan, WA Apr 15 – May 13
Chelan, WA Apr 1–29
Winthrop and Twisp, WA Apr 17 – May 15
Ellensburg, WA Apr 15 – May 13
Spokane, WA Apr 15 – May 13

Full planting calendar for Leavenworth · Cauliflower in every city