When to plant Napa Cabbage in Rooks County, KS
Rooks County's spring Napa Cabbage window runs April 9 through April 30. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Rooks County, KS
June to-do list for Rooks County, Kansas
Each item below is timed to Rooks County, Kansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
Rooks County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 691 feet, Rooks County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.
Rooks County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Napa 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 Rooks County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.7) overlaps with Napa Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rooks County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). 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 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
Napa Cabbage Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.2" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 2.7" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.5" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.2" | 5.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rooks 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 — Rooks County, KS
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
176 days in Rooks County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Rooks County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after April 23 in Rooks 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.
Rooks County receives only 20" of rain annually. Napa Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Rooks County, KS?
Rooks County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rooks County, KS?
Rooks County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Rooks County, KS?
In Rooks County, KS, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rooks County, KS for Napa Cabbage?
Rooks County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Napa Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Napa Cabbage grow in Rooks County's climate?
Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Rooks County's temperate climate. Rooks County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 16.
Your Rooks County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rooks 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.