When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Anderson County, TN
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.
Anderson County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 2,045 feet, Anderson County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.
Anderson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Anderson County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) overlaps with Napa Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Anderson County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Napa Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa Cabbage needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Napa Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Anderson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Napa Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Anderson County, TN
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Jul 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Anderson County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Anderson County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after April 11 in Anderson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Napa Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Anderson County, TN?
Anderson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Anderson County, TN?
Anderson County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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