When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in USDA Zone 2a
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
In Zone 2a, the average last spring frost is around May 30 and the first fall frost is around September 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Zone 2a
Where Is USDA Zone 2a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 2a. Click any state to see the Chinese Cabbage planting schedule for that location.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar — Zone 2a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
| Direct Sow | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 13 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 22 |
| Fall Sowing | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 2a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 2a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
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
Zone Temperature Range
-50°F to -45°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
94 days (Zone 2a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage in Zone 2a
Sow every 5.7 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Zone 2a
Zone 2a has a short growing season (~94 days). Start Chinese Cabbage indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
Saving Chinese Cabbage Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Chinese Cabbage in Other Zones
Chinese Cabbage by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Zone 2a?
In Zone 2a, plan your Chinese Cabbage planting around the average last frost date of May 30. Start seeds indoors around April 18. Direct sow outdoors around May 23. Transplant seedlings around May 30.
Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Zone 2a?
Yes, Chinese Cabbage can grow well in Zone 2a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 2a has a growing season of approximately 94 days, which is sufficient for Chinese Cabbage (50-70 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Chinese Cabbage in Zone 2a?
In Zone 2a, expect to harvest Chinese Cabbage from July 25 – August 22. Chinese Cabbage takes 50-70 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 2a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 2a is around May 30, and the first fall frost is around September 1. This gives a growing season of approximately 94 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Chinese Cabbage?
Good companion plants for Chinese Cabbage include Celery, Onion, Beets. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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