When to Plant Napa Cabbage in USDA Zone 4b
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.
In Zone 4b, the average last spring frost is around May 1 and the first fall frost is around October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Zone 4b
Where Is USDA Zone 4b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 4b. Click any state to see the Napa Cabbage planting schedule for that location.
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar — Zone 4b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 11 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 |
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 | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 4b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 4b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
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
Zone Temperature Range
-25°F to -20°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
155 days (Zone 4b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 4b
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
Saving Napa Cabbage Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Napa Cabbage in Other Zones
Napa Cabbage by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Zone 4b?
In Zone 4b, plan your Napa Cabbage planting around the average last frost date of May 1. Start seeds indoors around March 20. Direct sow outdoors around April 24. Transplant seedlings around May 1.
Can Napa Cabbage grow in Zone 4b?
Yes, Napa Cabbage can grow well in Zone 4b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 4b has a growing season of approximately 155 days, which is sufficient for Napa Cabbage (55-75 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Napa Cabbage in Zone 4b?
In Zone 4b, expect to harvest Napa Cabbage from June 26 – July 31. Napa Cabbage takes 55-75 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 4b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 4b is around May 1, and the first fall frost is around October 3. This gives a growing season of approximately 155 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Napa Cabbage?
Good companion plants for Napa Cabbage include Celery, Onion, Beets. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
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