When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Blackford County, IN
Napa cabbage forms tall, barrel-shaped heads with tender, crinkled leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is the primary cabbage used for kimchi.
Blackford County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 729 feet, Blackford County receives approximately 32.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.
Blackford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
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
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Blackford County, IN
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 |
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
55–75 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
173 days
Growing Tips for Blackford County
Best grown as a fall crop. Direct sow in late summer, 60-70 days before first frost. Keep soil evenly moist. Bolt-resistant varieties are available for spring planting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Blackford County, IN?
Blackford County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Blackford County, IN?
Blackford County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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