When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Gila County, AZ
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Gila County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.
At an elevation of 3,643 feet, Gila County receives approximately 9.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chinese Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chinese Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Gila County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Gila County, AZ
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 9 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 20 |
| Fall Sowing | September 26 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
| Harvest | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
295 days
Growing Tips for Gila County
Best grown as a fall crop to avoid bolting. Start seeds indoors or direct sow in late summer. Keep soil consistently moist and provide shade in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Gila County, AZ?
Gila County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gila County, AZ?
Gila County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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