When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Pend Oreille County, WA
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Pend Oreille County, Washington is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 3,807 feet, Pend Oreille County receives approximately 13.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chinese Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pend Oreille County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
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.
Soil Compatibility in Pend Oreille County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.6) is more acidic than Chinese Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pend Oreille County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Chinese Cabbage is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Chinese Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 15.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 0.8" | 5.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.5" | 6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 0.2" | 6.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 0.2" | 6.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 0.6" | 5.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Pend Oreille 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 — Pend Oreille County, WA
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Aug 2 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Pend Oreille County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Pend Oreille County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after May 10 in Pend Oreille 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.
Pend Oreille County receives only 13" 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 Pend Oreille County, WA?
Pend Oreille County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pend Oreille County, WA?
Pend Oreille County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 23.
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