When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Linn County, KS
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.
Linn County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 434 feet, Linn County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.
Linn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Linn County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.2) is within Napa Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Linn County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 5.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.6" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Linn 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 — Linn County, KS
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
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
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Linn County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Linn County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after April 09 in Linn County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Good Companions
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Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Linn County, KS?
Linn County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Linn County, KS?
Linn County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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