When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Hill County, MT
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Hill County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 5,229 feet, Hill County receives approximately 14.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chinese Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chinese Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Hill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.1
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 — Hill County, MT
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 1 | Jul 1 – Jul 15 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
132 days
Growing Tips for Hill 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 Hill County, MT?
Hill County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hill County, MT?
Hill County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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