When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Iberville Parish, LA
May in the garden — Iberville Parish, Louisiana
Your garden in Iberville Parish, Louisiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Start harvesting napa cabbage
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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.
Iberville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 294 days.
At an elevation of 464 feet, Iberville Parish receives approximately 59 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Napa Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Napa Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Napa Cabbage root diseases.
Iberville Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
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 Iberville Parish
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.2) is more acidic than Napa Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Iberville Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Napa Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Napa Cabbage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 10.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 6" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 5.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 5.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Iberville Parish). 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 — Iberville Parish, LA
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 17 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Direct Sow | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 14 |
| Harvest | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 16 |
| Fall Sowing | October 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
294 days in Iberville Parish
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Iberville Parish
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after February 14 in Iberville Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Iberville Parish dries quickly — mulch Napa Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Iberville Parish, provide afternoon shade for Napa Cabbage and water deeply in the morning.
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 Iberville Parish, LA?
Iberville Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Iberville Parish, LA?
Iberville Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your Iberville Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Iberville Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.