Napa Cabbage Growing Guide
Brassicaceae family
Days to Harvest70 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceModerate
Spacing12/sqft
Germination5-10 days
HardinessHardy
Germ. Temp70°F
Start Indoors6 weeks before last frost
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Early Vegetative
- Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | May 4 | — | Jul 8 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | May 4 | — | Jul 8 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 28 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | May 4 | — | Jul 8 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | May 1 | — | Jul 5 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 28 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | Apr 14 | — | Jun 18 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | Apr 10 | — | Jun 14 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | Apr 7 | — | Jun 11 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | Apr 7 | — | Jun 11 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | Apr 7 | — | Jun 11 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Mar 25 | — | May 29 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Mar 25 | — | May 29 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | — | May 24 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Mar 15 | — | May 19 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Mar 1 | — | May 5 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Feb 27 | — | May 3 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 23 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Jan 30 | — | Apr 5 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Jan 7 | — | Mar 13 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Jan 7 | — | Mar 13 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Dec 25 | — | Feb 28 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Dec 11 | — | Feb 14 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Dec 11 | — | Feb 14 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Dec 11 | — | Feb 14 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Dec 11 | — | Feb 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Napa Cabbage?
Napa Cabbage takes approximately 70 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Napa Cabbage need?
Napa Cabbage requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Napa Cabbage?
Plant Napa Cabbage at 12/sqft using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Napa Cabbage survive frost?
Napa Cabbage is tolerant of moderate frost.
How long does Napa Cabbage take to germinate?
Napa Cabbage seeds germinate in 5-10 days at an optimal temperature of 70°F.
When should I start Napa Cabbage seeds indoors?
Start Napa Cabbage seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -3 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Best as a fall crop; spring plantings often bolt prematurely
- Provide consistent moisture and cool conditions
- Space 12-15 inches apart for full-sized heads
Common Pests & Diseases
- Flea beetles
- Cabbage worms
- Slugs
- Clubroot
Harvest Notes
Cut whole heads at the base when tall, firm, and tightly wrapped. Best at 70-80 days. Stores well refrigerated for several weeks.
Plan Your Napa Cabbage Garden
Track Napa Cabbage from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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