When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Kanawha County, WV
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Kanawha County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 2,551 feet, Kanawha County receives approximately 50.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chinese Cabbage root diseases.
Kanawha County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.6
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.
Plant Water Budget
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Kanawha County, WV
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
171 days
Growing Tips for Kanawha 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 Kanawha County, WV?
Kanawha County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kanawha County, WV?
Kanawha County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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