When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Union County, OH
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.
Union County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,227 feet, Union County receives approximately 34.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.2
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Union County, OH
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 |
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
177 days
Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, OH?
Union County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, OH?
Union County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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