When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Phillips 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.
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 6,886 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 19 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.
Phillips County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
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 — Phillips County, MT
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 10 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| 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
126 days
Growing Tips for Phillips 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 Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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