When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Johnson County, KS
Chinese Cabbage planted in Johnson County between March 25 and April 15 matures in 50–70 days — well before the October 26 first frost. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Johnson County, KS
This month in Johnson County, Kansas
Welcome to July in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Johnson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 768 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 27.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
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 Johnson County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.2) is within Chinese Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Johnson County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Chinese Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
Chinese Cabbage Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.8" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Johnson 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 — Johnson County, KS
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Johnson County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after April 08 in Johnson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Johnson County, KS?
Johnson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, KS?
Johnson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Johnson County, KS?
In Johnson County, KS, plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Johnson County, KS for Chinese Cabbage?
Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chinese Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Johnson County's climate?
Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.
Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.