When to plant Napa Cabbage in Reddick, FL
Plant Napa Cabbage in Reddick from January 25 to February 15 in spring. Reddick sits in USDA Zone 9a, with last frost around February 15 and first frost on December 1. A second sowing from October 6 to October 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Reddick, FL
Your July planting checklist for Marion County, Florida
Each item below is timed to Marion County, Florida's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
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 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.
Reddick Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.9
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 Reddick
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.9) is more acidic than Napa 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. 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 (1.6%). 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 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 06.
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 | — | 2.2" | 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.
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 — Reddick, FL
Napa 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 17 |
| 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
55–75 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 Napa Cabbage in Reddick
Direct sow Napa 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 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 97°F in Marion 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 Reddick, FL?
In Reddick, FL, plant Napa 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 Napa Cabbage?
Reddick 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 Reddick's climate?
Yes — Napa 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.