When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Hampden County, MA
Hampden County's spring Chinese Cabbage window runs April 16 through May 7. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Hampden County, MA
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Hampden County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 474 feet, Hampden County receives approximately 47.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season.
Hampden County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage
Chinese Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chinese Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hampden County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Hampden County, MA
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
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 Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Hampden County
Growing Tips for Hampden County
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 Hampden County, MA?
Hampden County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hampden County, MA?
Hampden County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Hampden County, MA?
In Hampden County, MA, plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hampden County, MA for Chinese Cabbage?
Hampden County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chinese Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Hampden County's climate?
Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Hampden County's temperate climate. Hampden County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 17.
Your Hampden County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hampden 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.