When to plant cauliflower in Sequim, WA

Start cauliflower from seed indoors Feb 3–17, then plant the young plants in the garden in Sequim Mar 24 – Apr 21. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 16–30.

Tricky here Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Sequim's typical last spring frost is April 21. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

West-side valleys. The Willamette Valley, Puget Sound and southern Oregon valleys. Long frost-free seasons, but soil stays cold and wet into May, so warm crops wait for warm soil, not just the last frost.

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

Start seeds indoors Feb 3–17 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 Mar 24 – Apr 21, 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 16–30 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.

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 Sequim, WA?

Typically April 21. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 7. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Sequim.

Is it too late to plant cauliflower in Sequim?

The spring planting window runs through April 21. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 16 to July 30.

When should I start cauliflower from seed indoors in Sequim?

February 3 to February 17, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the March 24 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Sequim around the same time

Planting dates for cauliflower in nearby areas

Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA Apr 1–29
Forks, WA Apr 1–29
Port Angeles, WA Mar 15 – Apr 12
Port Townsend, WA Mar 15 – Apr 12
Long Beach and Ilwaco, WA Apr 1–29
Portland, OR Mar 15 – Apr 12

Full planting calendar for Sequim · Cauliflower in every city