When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Rimouski, QC
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Rimouski, Quebec is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 114 feet, Rimouski receives approximately 31.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly gray-brown podzol soil. Summer highs average 73°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chinese Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Rimouski Soil Profile
Soil Type
Gray-Brown Podzol
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chinese 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.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Chinese Cabbage Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage
Chinese 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 | Chinese Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Rimouski). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chinese 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.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Rimouski, QC
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Rimouski
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Rimouski
Common pests for Chinese 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 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Rimouski, QC?
Rimouski is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rimouski, QC?
Rimouski, Quebec is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 11.
Your Rimouski Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rimouski (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.