Washington · Garden vegetables

Cauliflower season in Washington

Typically early July to mid-October, with peak mid-July through late September.

Hatched chalk = early and late shoulders; solid = peak.

The Skagit Valley's cool maritime summers are prime cauliflower country.

At a glance

Early

From early July — first pickings, lighter supply, best prices come later.

Peak

mid-July through late September — full stalls, full flavor. This is the stretch to plan around.

Late

Through mid-October — quantity for preserving, and the stalls start dealing.

Season length

about 15 weeks end to end, shoulders included.

Cauliflower

Look: Dense creamy-white curds packed tight, with no brown spots or loose ricey patches.
Feel: The head feels heavy and solid, and the wrapper leaves around it are still crisp.
Smell: Almost no scent when fresh; a sharp cabbage odor means it is past its best.
Tip: Heads sold with the wrapper leaves still hugging the curd were cut recently and keep longer.
Keeps: Fridge, stem side down in an open bag, up to a week.

Chasing the season?

Cauliflower peak moves across the map. After this window, it lands next in:

The whole national sweep · everything in season in Washington

Frequently asked questions

When is cauliflower season in Washington?

In Washington, the cauliflower season typically runs early July to mid-October, with peak availability mid-July through late September. Exact weeks shift a little with each year's weather.

Can I pick my own cauliflower in Washington?

Not offered u-pick; buy tight fresh heads at fall farm stands and markets. The best market weeks are mid-July through late September.

How long does cauliflower season last in Washington?

about 15 weeks end to end — early July to mid-October. The early and late shoulders are real but lighter; the solid stretch of chalk on the band is the sure bet.