When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Pepin County, WI
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.
Pepin County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 1,052 feet, Pepin County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Napa Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Pepin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
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 — Pepin County, WI
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | 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 4a
Growing Season
158 days
Growing Tips for Pepin 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 Pepin County, WI?
Pepin County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pepin County, WI?
Pepin County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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