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When to plant Napa Cabbage in Sutter County, CA

The best window to plant Napa Cabbage in Sutter County, is February 11–March 4, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 4; first frost November 26. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Sutter County, CA

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.

Sutter County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 484 feet, Sutter County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.

Sutter County, CA (Zone 9b) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Sutter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage

Napa Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Napa Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sutter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Sutter County, CA

Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Direct Sow February 11 Feb 11 – Mar 4
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 – Jun 3
Fall Sowing October 1 Oct 1 – Oct 15

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

55–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Sutter County

Growing Tips for Sutter 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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Sutter County, CA?

Sutter County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sutter County, CA?

Sutter County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Sutter County, CA?

In Sutter County, CA, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sutter County, CA for Napa Cabbage?

Sutter County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Napa Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Napa Cabbage grow in Sutter County's climate?

Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Sutter County's temperate climate. Sutter County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

🌱

Your Sutter County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sutter County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sutter County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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