When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Broome County, NY
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.
Broome County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 802 feet, Broome County receives approximately 46.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Napa Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Broome County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.6
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
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Broome County, NY
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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
156 days
Growing Tips for Broome 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 Broome County, NY?
Broome County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Broome County, NY?
Broome County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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