When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Norfolk City, VA
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Norfolk City, Virginia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.
At an elevation of 231 feet, Norfolk City receives approximately 45.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season.
Norfolk City Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Norfolk City, VA
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Fall Sowing | September 8 | Sep 8 – Sep 22 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
Growing Season
240 days
Growing Tips for Norfolk City
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 Norfolk City, VA?
Norfolk City is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Norfolk City, VA?
Norfolk City, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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