When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Knox County County,
In Knox County County, plant Chinese Cabbage in spring between April 5 and April 26, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Knox County County's last frost averages April 19, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between August 12 and August 26 — roughly 70 days before the first frost on October 21.
When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Knox County, KY
Your June gardening checklist
June is a pivotal month for Knox County, Kentucky gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Harvest chinese cabbage as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: chinese cabbage
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Knox County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 2,802 feet, Knox County receives approximately 46.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season.
Knox County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 Knox County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.0) overlaps with Chinese Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Knox County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chinese Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Chinese Cabbage.
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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Chinese Cabbage Water Budget
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Knox 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 — Knox County, KY
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jul 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Knox County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Knox County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after April 19 in Knox 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 Knox County, KY?
Knox County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Knox County, KY?
Knox County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Knox County County, ?
In Knox County County, , plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Knox County County, for Chinese Cabbage?
Knox County County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Chinese Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Knox County County's climate?
Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Knox County County's temperate climate. Knox County County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 21.
Your Knox County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Knox County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.