When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Rawlins County, KS
Top priorities for Rawlins County, Kansas gardeners in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Rawlins County, Kansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Move napa cabbage from tray to bed
Your last frost (May 1) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: napa cabbage
- First harvests: napa cabbage
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.
Rawlins County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 795 feet, Rawlins County receives approximately 34.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.
Rawlins County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Rawlins County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) overlaps with Napa Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rawlins County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). 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 Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 01.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.6" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Rawlins 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 — Rawlins County, KS
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Rawlins County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Rawlins County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after May 01 in Rawlins 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Rawlins County, KS?
Rawlins County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rawlins County, KS?
Rawlins County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Rawlins County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Rawlins 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.