When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Jefferson Davis Parish, LA
Top priorities for Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana gardeners in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Basket week: napa cabbage
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 381 feet, Jefferson Davis Parish receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°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.
Jefferson Davis Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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 Jefferson Davis Parish
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.3) is more acidic than Napa Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Jefferson Davis 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 (2.0%). 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 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 12.
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 | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 6.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 5.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Jefferson Davis 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 — Jefferson Davis Parish, LA
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Harvest | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 15 |
| Fall Sowing | October 12 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
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
297 days in Jefferson Davis Parish
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Jefferson Davis Parish
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after February 13 in Jefferson Davis Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Jefferson Davis 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.
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 Jefferson Davis Parish, LA?
Jefferson Davis Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson Davis Parish, LA?
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 7.
Your Jefferson Davis Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jefferson Davis 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.