When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Sunflower County, MS
Sunflower County, Mississippi gardeners: here's your May plan
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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It's harvest week for napa cabbage
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: napa cabbage
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.
Sunflower County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.
At an elevation of 376 feet, Sunflower County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Napa Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Napa Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Sunflower County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Sunflower County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Napa Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Sunflower County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 06.
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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sunflower County). 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 — Sunflower County, MS
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Direct Sow | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 15 |
| Harvest | May 3 | May 3 – Jun 7 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
252 days in Sunflower County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Sunflower County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after March 08 in Sunflower County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Sunflower County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Napa Cabbage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Sunflower County, 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 Sunflower County, MS?
Sunflower County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sunflower County, MS?
Sunflower County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Sunflower County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sunflower County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.