When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Inyo County, CA
Inyo County, California gardeners: here's your May plan
May is a pivotal month for Inyo County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Inyo County, California is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is January 15 and the first fall frost is December 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.
At an elevation of 4,562 feet, Inyo County receives approximately 16.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chinese Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Inyo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.8
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 Inyo County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.8) overlaps with Chinese Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Inyo County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Chinese Cabbage.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 01.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 2.5" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 0.5" | 6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.1" | 6.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 0" | 6.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 0" | 6.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 0.2" | 6.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 0.6" | 5.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Inyo 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 — Inyo County, CA
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 11 | Dec 11 – Dec 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Direct Sow | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 22 |
| Harvest | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 9 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | — |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
329 days in Inyo County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Inyo County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after January 15 in Inyo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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.
Inyo County receives only 16" of rain annually. Chinese Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Inyo County, CA?
Inyo County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of January 15. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Inyo County, CA?
Inyo County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is January 15 and first fall frost is December 10.
Your Inyo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Inyo County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.