When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Fields, OR
This month in Harney County, Oregon
Each item below is timed to Harney County, Oregon's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
Fields, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 17 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 81 days.
At an elevation of 679 feet, Harney County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.
Fields Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Napa Cabbage 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 Fields
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.4) overlaps with Napa Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Harney County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.5%) — Napa Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Napa Cabbage Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.9" | 5.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 0.4" | 6.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 0.4" | 6.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 0.9" | 5.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Harney 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 — Fields, OR
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 |
| Direct Sow | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Sep 16 |
| Fall Sowing | June 28 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
81 days in Harney County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Fields
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after June 17 in Harney County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 81.0-day growing season in Harney County is tight for Napa Cabbage (55.0-75.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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.
Harney County receives only 22" of rain annually. Napa Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Your Harney County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Harney 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.