When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in USDA Zone 2b
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 2b, the average last spring frost is around May 22 and the first fall frost is around September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 111 days.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Zone 2b
Where Is USDA Zone 2b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 2b. Click any state to see the Chinese Cabbage planting schedule for that location.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar — Zone 2b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Aug 14 |
| Fall Sowing | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 2b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 2b 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
-45°F to -40°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
111 days (Zone 2b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage in Zone 2b
Sow every 5.7 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Zone 2b
Zone 2b has a short growing season (~111 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 2b?
In Zone 2b, plan your Chinese Cabbage planting around the average last frost date of May 22. Start seeds indoors around April 10. Direct sow outdoors around May 15. Transplant seedlings around May 22.
Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Zone 2b?
Yes, Chinese Cabbage can grow well in Zone 2b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 2b has a growing season of approximately 111 days, which is sufficient for Chinese Cabbage (50-70 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Chinese Cabbage in Zone 2b?
In Zone 2b, expect to harvest Chinese Cabbage from July 17 – August 14. Chinese Cabbage takes 50-70 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 2b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 2b is around May 22, and the first fall frost is around September 10. This gives a growing season of approximately 111 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
Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 2b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.