When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in De Soto Parish, LA
May in De Soto Parish, Louisiana — your action list
Your garden in De Soto Parish, Louisiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Harvest chinese cabbage as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Get ahead of June
- 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.
De Soto Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.
At an elevation of 327 feet, De Soto Parish receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chinese Cabbage root diseases.
De Soto Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.7
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 De Soto Parish
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.7) is within Chinese Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in De Soto Parish is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Chinese Cabbage is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 Sep 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 07.
Plant 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 | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in De Soto Parish). 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 — De Soto Parish, LA
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Direct Sow | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 18 |
| Harvest | May 6 | May 6 – Jun 3 |
| Fall Sowing | September 7 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
250 days in De Soto Parish
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in De Soto Parish
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after March 11 in De Soto Parish 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
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Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in De Soto Parish, LA?
De Soto Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is De Soto Parish, LA?
De Soto Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your De Soto Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for De Soto Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.