When to plant cauliflower in Winthrop and Twisp, WA

Start cauliflower from seed indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13, then plant the young plants in the garden in Winthrop and Twisp Apr 17 – May 15. For a fall harvest, plant again Jun 23 – Jul 7.

Tricky here Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Winthrop and Twisp's typical last spring frost is May 15. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

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

Start seeds indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13 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 17 – May 15, 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 Jun 23 – Jul 7 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 Winthrop and Twisp, WA?

Typically May 15. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 1. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Winthrop.

Is it too late to plant cauliflower in Winthrop and Twisp?

The spring planting window runs through May 15. If you miss it, plant again for fall from June 23 to July 7.

When should I start cauliflower from seed indoors in Winthrop and Twisp?

February 27 to March 13, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the April 17 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Winthrop and Twisp 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
Leavenworth, WA Apr 15 – May 13
Ellensburg, WA Apr 15 – May 13
Spokane, WA Apr 15 – May 13

Full planting calendar for Winthrop and Twisp · Cauliflower in every city