When to plant Napa Cabbage in Hampton, FL
Spring Napa Cabbage in Hampton goes in February 8–March 1, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from October 3 to October 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Hampton, FL
July in the garden — Bradford County, Florida
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Bradford County, Florida.
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.
Hampton, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 272 days.
At an elevation of 297 feet, Bradford County receives approximately 51.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Napa Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Napa Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Napa Cabbage root diseases.
Hampton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Napa Cabbage 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 Hampton
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) is more acidic than Napa Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Bradford County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Napa Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Napa Cabbage is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 03.
Napa Cabbage Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa 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 | Napa Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.6" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bradford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Napa 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.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Hampton, FL
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Direct Sow | February 8 | Feb 8 – Mar 1 |
| Harvest | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 31 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
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 | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
272 days in Bradford County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Hampton
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after March 01 in Bradford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Bradford County dries quickly — mulch Napa Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Bradford County, provide afternoon shade for Napa Cabbage and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Napa 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. 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
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Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Hampton, FL?
In Hampton, FL, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around March 1) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hampton, FL for Napa Cabbage?
Hampton sits in USDA Zone 9a. Napa Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Napa Cabbage grow in Hampton's climate?
Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Hampton's temperate climate. Hampton averages a 272-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 1 and first frost around November 28.
Your Bradford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bradford 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.