When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Catron County, NM
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 111 days.
At an elevation of 8,232 feet, Catron County receives approximately 10.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chinese Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall. 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.
Catron County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.7
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 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Catron County, NM
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors 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 5b
Growing Season
111 days
Growing Tips for Catron 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 Catron County, NM?
Catron County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Catron County, NM?
Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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