Best Time To Plant Cabbage In Washington

Washington’s cool spring temperatures make April the prime month for setting out cabbage transplants. But the best time to plant cabbage in Washington actually depends on where you live in the state, from the rainy western side to the drier eastern regions. Getting the timing right means the difference between tight, sweet heads and bolting, bitter disappointment.

You want cabbage that thrives, not just survives. In Washington, your planting window is all about working with the weather, not against it. Let’s break down exactly when to plant cabbage in every corner of the state, step by step.

The short answer is: for most of Washington, set out transplants in early to mid-April. But you have two main planting windows—spring and fall. Spring planting gives you a summer harvest, while fall planting gives you a crop that matures in the cool days of autumn.

For spring cabbage, aim for 4 to 6 weeks before your last average frost date. In western Washington, that’s usually mid-March to early April for starting seeds indoors, then transplanting in April. In eastern Washington, you can start seeds indoors in late March and transplant in late April or early May.

For fall cabbage, you want to plant in mid-to-late summer so heads form during cooling temperatures. That means transplanting in July or early August for a October or November harvest.

Why Washington’s Climate Matters For Cabbage

Cabbage is a cool-season crop. It loves temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. Washington’s mild springs and cool autumns are perfect. But the state has big climate differences.

Western Washington: Mild, wet winters. Cool, dry summers. Last frost around March 15 to April 15.
Eastern Washington: Colder winters, hotter summers. Last frost around April 15 to May 15.
Coastal areas: Very mild year-round. Frost is rare but possible.

If you plant too early in cold, wet soil, seeds rot. If you plant too late in hot weather, heads don’t form properly or they bolt (go to seed). So timing is everything.

Step-By-Step: Spring Cabbage Planting Schedule

Here’s a simple schedule you can follow for spring cabbage in Washington.

Start seeds indoors: 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. For western WA, that’s late January to mid-February. For eastern WA, that’s late February to mid-March.
Harden off seedlings: 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions.
Transplant outdoors: 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date. In western WA, that’s mid-March to early April. In eastern WA, that’s mid-April to early May.
Harvest: 60 to 100 days after transplanting, depending on variety.

If you’re buying transplants from a nursery, look for them in early spring. Set them out as soon as the soil can be worked and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 25°F.

Fall Cabbage: The Overlooked Season

Many Washington gardeners miss fall cabbage. But it’s actually easier than spring cabbage. Why? Because you start seeds in warm summer soil, and heads form in cool autumn weather. Less bolting, fewer pests.

For fall cabbage, count backward from your first fall frost date. In western WA, first frost is around October 15 to November 15. In eastern WA, it’s around September 15 to October 15.

Transplant fall cabbage 10 to 12 weeks before your first frost. That means:

Western WA: Transplant in late July to early August.
Eastern WA: Transplant in early to mid-July.

Start seeds indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before that transplant date. So for western WA, start seeds in mid-June. For eastern WA, start seeds in late May to early June.

Choosing The Right Cabbage Variety For Washington

Not all cabbages are equal. Some handle Washington’s cool springs better. Others are better for fall planting.

Early varieties (60-70 days): ‘Golden Acre’, ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’. Good for spring planting. Harvest before summer heat.
Mid-season varieties (70-85 days): ‘Stonehead’, ‘Red Acre’. Reliable for both spring and fall.
Late varieties (85-100 days): ‘Danish Ballhead’, ‘Savoy King’. Best for fall planting. They store well.

For Washington’s climate, I recommend ‘Stonehead’ for spring and ‘Danish Ballhead’ for fall. Both are tried-and-true in this state.

Soil Preparation: Get It Right Before Planting

Cabbage needs rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Washington’s soil varies a lot. Western WA has acidic, clay-heavy soil. Eastern WA has alkaline, sandy loam.

Here’s how to prep:

Test your soil pH. You can buy a kit at any garden center.
Amend as needed. For acidic soil (western WA), add lime. For alkaline soil (eastern WA), add sulfur or compost.
Add compost. Work in 2 to 4 inches of well-rotted compost or aged manure.
Fertilize. Cabbage is a heavy feeder. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) before planting.

Good soil prep reduces transplant shock and gives your cabbage a strong start.

Transplanting Tips For Washington Gardens

When you set out transplants, follow these steps for best results.

Harden off properly. Start by putting seedlings outside for 1 hour in shade. Increase by 1 hour each day over 7 to 10 days.
Choose a cloudy day. Transplanting on a cloudy day or in late afternoon reduces stress.
Space correctly. 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Closer spacing gives smaller heads.
Plant deep. Bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves. This encourages strong roots.
Water well. Give each plant a good soak right after transplanting.

If a late frost threatens, cover your transplants with row cover or old sheets overnight. Cabbage can handle light frost, but hard freezes can damage young plants.

Watering And Feeding Your Cabbage

Cabbage needs consistent moisture. Inconsistent watering leads to cracked heads or poor growth.

Water deeply. Give 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. More in hot weather.
Mulch. Apply 2 to 3 inches of straw or grass clippings around plants. This keeps soil cool and moist.
Fertilize monthly. Use a side dressing of balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 3 to 4 weeks.

In Washington’s rainy spring, you might not need to water much. But in summer, especially in eastern WA, you’ll need to water regularly.

Common Pests And Problems In Washington

Cabbage has a few enemies in Washington. Here’s what to watch for.

Cabbage worms. Small green caterpillars. Hand-pick or use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
Aphids. Tiny insects on undersides of leaves. Spray with strong water stream or insecticidal soap.
Slugs. Common in western WA. Use beer traps, copper tape, or diatomaceous earth.
Club root. A soil-borne disease. Rotate crops and maintain proper pH.

Floating row covers can prevent many pests. Put them on right after transplanting.

Harvesting Cabbage At The Right Time

Harvest when heads are firm and full-sized. Don’t wait too long—heads can split in rain or heat.

Spring cabbage: Harvest in June or July, before summer heat peaks.
Fall cabbage: Harvest in October or November, after a few light frosts. Frost sweetens the flavor.

Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife. Leave the outer leaves and root in the ground. Some varieties will produce small secondary heads from the stump.

Extending Your Harvest With Succession Planting

Want cabbage all season? Use succession planting.

Plant early varieties in early spring.
Plant mid-season varieties 2 to 3 weeks later.
Plant late varieties in summer for fall harvest.

This gives you a continuous supply from June through November.

Storing Cabbage For Winter

Cabbage stores well. In Washington’s cool fall, you can keep it in a root cellar or cold garage for months.

Harvest before hard freeze. Cabbage can handle light frost, but not deep freezes.
Remove loose outer leaves. Leave 2 to 3 wrapper leaves on the head.
Store at 32°F to 40°F. High humidity (90-95%) is ideal.
Check regularly. Remove any heads that show rot.

With proper storage, you can enjoy Washington-grown cabbage through winter.

Regional Tips For Western Washington

If you live west of the Cascades, you have a long, cool growing season. This is great for cabbage.

Spring planting: Transplants go out in March or early April. Use row covers if needed.
Fall planting: Transplants go out in late July or early August. Harvest through November.
Watch for slugs. They love wet springs. Use organic controls early.

In areas like Seattle, Tacoma, or Olympia, you can often plant cabbage earlier than the rest of the state.

Regional Tips For Eastern Washington

East of the Cascades, you have hotter summers and colder winters. Timing is more critical.

Spring planting: Wait until late April or early May. Soil warms up slower here.
Fall planting: Transplants go out in early July. Harvest before hard frost in October.
Water more. Eastern WA is drier. Drip irrigation helps.

In Spokane, Yakima, or the Tri-Cities, focus on spring and fall crops. Summer heat can be too intense for cabbage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant cabbage in Washington in June?

Yes, but only for fall harvest. Plant transplants in early June for a late September or October harvest. Use fast-maturing varieties like ‘Golden Acre’.

What is the latest I can plant cabbage in Washington?

For fall cabbage, transplant no later than early August in western WA and mid-July in eastern WA. Count backward 10 to 12 weeks from your first frost date.

Should I start cabbage seeds indoors or direct sow?

Start seeds indoors for best results. Direct sowing in Washington’s cool, wet spring soil often leads to poor germination. Transplants give you a head start.

How do I protect cabbage from Washington’s spring frosts?

Use row covers, cloches, or old sheets. Cabbage can handle light frost (down to about 28°F), but hard freezes damage young plants. Remove covers during the day if temperatures rise above 50°F.

Can I grow cabbage year-round in Washington?

Not really, but you can extend the season. With spring and fall plantings, plus winter storage, you can have cabbage for 8 to 10 months of the year. Some gardeners in coastal areas can overwinter cabbage with protection.

Final Thoughts On Planting Cabbage In Washington

Getting the best time to plant cabbage in Washington is all about understanding your local climate. April is the sweet spot for spring transplants across most of the state. But don’t forget fall planting—it’s often more rewarding.

Start with good soil, choose the right variety, and time your planting around your last and first frost dates. With a little planning, you’ll be harvesting tight, sweet heads of cabbage that taste nothing like store-bought.

Washington’s cool springs and mild autumns are practically made for cabbage. So get your transplants ready, watch the weather, and enjoy one of the easiest and most rewarding crops you can grow.