When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Reddick, FL
In Reddick, plant Chinese Cabbage in spring between January 25 and February 15, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Reddick's last frost averages February 15, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between October 6 and October 20 — roughly 50–70 days before the first frost on December 1.
When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Reddick, FL
Your July gardening checklist
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Reddick, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.
At an elevation of 244 feet, Marion County receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chinese Cabbage root diseases.
Reddick Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Chinese 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 Reddick
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.9) is more acidic than Chinese Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Marion County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chinese Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Chinese Cabbage is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 06.
Chinese Cabbage 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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 2.7" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.2" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.2" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Marion 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 — Reddick, FL
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 18 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Direct Sow | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 15 |
| Harvest | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 10 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
289 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Reddick
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after February 15 in Marion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Marion 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 Marion 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
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Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Reddick, FL?
In Reddick, FL, plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around February 15) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Reddick, FL for Chinese Cabbage?
Reddick sits in USDA Zone 9a. Chinese Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Reddick's climate?
Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Reddick's temperate climate. Reddick averages a 290-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 15 and first frost around December 1.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marion 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.