Phenology Planting Guide – Molalla, OR

As many of you may remember, I used to break all this information down into moon-phase gardening. However, since there is no scientific basis for this, I switched to using phenology—tracking seasons based on indicator plants blooming or fruiting—and phenological folklore from the past, which is still highly relevant today!

Keep in mind that dates in the ‘Approximate Time Frame’ will always shift. You’ll need to observe Mother Nature closely to catch the perfect window! If you start your seeds indoors earlier than expected, be sure to calculate your transplant dates so they don’t become root-bound in their pots.

I’ve included the actual dates from 2026 to reflect this year’s unusually wild weather patterns.

*Approximate Time Frame*	Phenology Indicator	*What to Plant*
Mid-Late February (Feb 19, 2026)	Osoberry (Indian Plum) begins to bloom. First shrub to bloom after winter.	Start Seed Indoors: Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower, Onions, Leeks, Chives, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Pansy, Viola, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Delphinium (Requires 2 weeks of cold stratification before sowing) Transplant: Primrose Plant Bare-Root: Ornamental trees/shrubs, Fruit Trees, Cane Berries, Strawberries (Pinch off all flowers during the first summer to force the plant to build massive roots instead of early berries.) Keep roots soaking in a bucket of water until the exact second they go into the ground, but no more than 12-24 hours.
Early-Mid March (March 8, 2026 – very early)	Forsythia begins to bloom.	Start Seed Outdoors: Poppies, Sweet Peas, Larkspur, Bachelor’s Buttons, Chervil, Endive, Escarole, Leek, Cilantro, Parsley, Parsnip, Radish, Salsify, Lettuce, Peas, Spinach, Onion (sets, seed)* *Refrigerate Larkspur seeds for 2 weeks before sowing outdoor. **For bigger onions, plant from seed not sets. Plant Bare-Root: Rhubarb (crowns)*, Asparagus (crowns) Rhubarb don’t harvest first year. ***Asparagus don’t harvest for 2 years.
Late March – Early April (March 8, 2026 – very, very early)	When Flowering Quince, Grape Hyacinth, and Narcissus are in full bloom. Lilac are just starting to leaf.	Start Seed Indoors: Tomatoes, Tomatillos, Peppers, Eggplant Start Seed Outdoors: Alyssum, Calendula, Borage (see below for companion planting with tomatoes), Dill, Swiss Chard, Turnip, Carrots, Kohlrabi, Brussels Sprout, Spinach, Lettuce, Cabbage, Broccoli, Collard Greens, Broad Bean, Corn Salad, Fennel (Bulb), Potatoes (seed) Transplant: Snapdragons, Foxglove, & Canterbury Bells, Rosemary, Mint, Cauliflower, Celery, Celeriac, Peas, Strawberry seedlings, Rhubarb seedlings . Strawberries pinch off all flowers during the first summer to force the plant to build massive roots instead of early berries. **Rhubarb don’t harvest first 2 years when grown this way. Plant Bare-Root: Hostas, Bleeding Hearts, Astilbe
Late April, Early May (April 11, 2026 – very early)	When Flowering Crabapples and Lilacs are in full bloom.	Start Seed Indoors: All Melons and Squash incl. Cucumbers, Pumpkins, Zucchini, Watermelon, etc. Start Seed Indoors in biodegradable or large pots (you do not wish to disturb roots when transplanting). Start Seed Outdoors: Cosmos, Zinnias, Amaranth, Celosia, Sunflowers, Marigolds, Nasturtium, New Zealand Spinach Plant Bulbs: Dahlias, Gladiolus, & Canna Lilies Transplant: Fuchsia, Asparagus seedlings Protect Fuchsia from frost. Asparagus don’t harvest for 3 years when grown this way.
Early-Mid May (Late April 2026 – very early)	Lilac blooms begin to fade and Apple blossoms fall.	Start Seed Outdoors: Soybean, Bush Lima Bean, Squash, Melons, Cucumbers, Bush/Pole Beans, Corn
Mid-Late May (May 10, 2026 – early)	When Irises, Peonies and Black Locust bloom.	Start Seed Outdoors: Borage (if companion planting with Tomatoes) Transplant: Geraniums, Petunias, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Basil, Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Melons, Squash, Sweet Potato, Okra, Pole Lima Beans
Early-Mid June (May 10, 2026 – VERY VERY early)	When Mock Orange is in full bloom.	Start Seed Indoors for Fall Harvest: Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts Start Seed Outdoors for Fall Harvest: Carrots, Parsnips, Fennel (bulb), Rutabaga, Swiss Chard, Collard Greens, Cabbage Use floating row covers immediately over outdoor brassica seeds to block pests.
Mid-Late July	When Blackberries are in peak fruit.	Transplant: Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprout Provide temporary shade cloth or leafy branch covers for newly transplanted brassicas for the first 3-5 days to prevent heat scorch.
Late August	When Blackberry fruit is beginning to fade.	Start Seed Outdoors: Radish, Arugula, Spinach, Mustard Greens, Lettuce, Cilantro, Parsley, Foxgloves, Hollyhock, Money Plant, Primrose (shady location).
Mid September – Early October	When Apples are ripe and acorns are beginning to fall.	Start Seed Outdoors: Cover Crops like Crimson Clover, Winter Field Peas, or Hairy Vetch
Late September – Mid October	When native Oaks and Hazelnuts begin a heavy drop of their acorns/nuts.	Start Bulbs/Cloves Outdoors: Garlic, Shallot, Alliums, Crocus, Daffodil, Muscari
Late October – Mid November	When the first frost kills summer annuals.	Start Bulbs Outdoors: Tulips
Late November – Early February	Leaves are gone, all is dormant.	Protect Tools: Drain hoses, turn off outdoor spigots, and oil hand tools. Mulch Empty Beds: Cover any bare soil with leaves or straw to prevent winter rains from washing away nutrients. Order Seeds: Use January to plan layouts and secure seeds before the spring rush begins. REST!!!