When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Mobile County, AL
May in the garden — Mobile County, Alabama
Your garden in Mobile County, Alabama is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Pick chinese cabbage
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Mobile County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 101 feet, Mobile County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Chinese Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chinese Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Mobile County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.1
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.
Soil Compatibility in Mobile County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.1) is more acidic than Chinese Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Mobile County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chinese Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chinese Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Chinese Cabbage.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 29.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage
Chinese 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 | Chinese Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mobile County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chinese 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.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Mobile County, AL
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Direct Sow | February 10 | Feb 10 – Mar 3 |
| Harvest | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 26 |
| Fall Sowing | September 29 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Mobile County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Mobile County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after March 03 in Mobile County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Mobile County dries quickly — mulch Chinese Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Mobile County, provide afternoon shade for Chinese Cabbage and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Chinese 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 to avoid bolting. Start seeds indoors or direct sow in late summer. Keep soil consistently moist and provide shade in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Mobile County, AL?
Mobile County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mobile County, AL?
Mobile County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.
Your Mobile County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Mobile County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.