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When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Union County, FL

The best window to plant Chinese Cabbage in Union County, is February 8–March 1, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 1; first frost November 27. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Union County, FL

Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.

Union County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 271 days.

At an elevation of 360 feet, Union County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°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.

Union County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
271 days
Last Spring Frost March 1
271 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage

Chinese 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 Chinese Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 10" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Union County, FL

Chinese 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 24
Fall Sowing October 2 Oct 2 – Oct 16

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
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

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

271 days in Union County

Growing Tips for Union County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Union County, FL?

Union County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, FL?

Union County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 27.

When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Union County, FL?

In Union County, FL, plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around March 1) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Union County, FL for Chinese Cabbage?

Union County 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 Union County's climate?

Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 271-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 1 and first frost around November 27.

🌱

Your Union County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Union 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.

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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 Union County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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