When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Mineral 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.
Mineral County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 30 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 5,389 feet, Mineral County receives approximately 12.5 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. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chinese Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Mineral County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.7
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 — Mineral County, MT
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
| Direct Sow | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
113 days
Growing Tips for Mineral 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 Mineral County, MT?
Mineral County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 30. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mineral County, MT?
Mineral County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 30 and first fall frost is September 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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