When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Oliver County, ND
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Oliver County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 721 feet, Oliver County receives approximately 21.1 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.
Oliver County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
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.
Soil Compatibility in Oliver County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.4) is within Chinese Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Oliver County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Chinese Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 04.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage
Chinese Cabbage needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chinese Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.5" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Oliver County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chinese Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Oliver County, ND
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 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 4 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
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
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Oliver County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Oliver County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after May 14 in Oliver County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chinese Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Oliver County receives only 21" of rain annually. Chinese Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
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Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Oliver County, ND?
Oliver 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 Oliver County, ND?
Oliver County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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