Rainline Garden

When to plant cauliflower in Yakima, WA

Start cauliflower from seed indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6, then plant the young plants in the garden in Yakima Apr 10 – May 8. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 5–19.

Tricky here Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Yakima's typical last spring frost is May 8. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

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 20 – Mar 6 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 10 – May 8, 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 5–19 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 Yakima, WA?

Typically May 8. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 27. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Yakima Air Terminal.

Is it too late to plant cauliflower in Yakima?

The spring planting window runs through May 8. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 5 to July 19.

When should I start cauliflower from seed indoors in Yakima?

February 20 to March 6, which is 7 to 5 weeks before the April 10 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.

Also plant in Yakima around the same time

Planting dates for cauliflower in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Yakima · Cauliflower in every city