Blog

When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Jay County, IN

Spring Chinese Cabbage in Jay County goes in April 12–May 3, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Jay County, IN

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

Jay County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.

At an elevation of 1,343 feet, Jay County receives approximately 34.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season.

Jay County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
173 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
173 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Jay County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Jay County, IN

Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 – May 10
Direct Sow April 12 Apr 12 – May 3
Harvest June 21 Jun 21 – Jul 19
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
October
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

173 days in Jay County

Growing Tips for Jay 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 Jay County, IN?

Jay County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jay County, IN?

Jay County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Jay County, IN?

In Jay County, IN, plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jay County, IN for Chinese Cabbage?

Jay County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chinese Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Jay County's climate?

Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Jay County's temperate climate. Jay County averages a 173-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Jay County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jay County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.