When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Atchison County, KS
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 678 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chinese Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Atchison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Atchison County, KS
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
187 days
Growing Tips for Atchison 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 Atchison County, KS?
Atchison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Atchison County, KS?
Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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