When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Haywood County, TN
This month in Haywood County, Tennessee
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Haywood County, Tennessee.
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Indoor seed-starting week for chinese cabbage
These need a head start before your last frost (April 1). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Bring in the chinese cabbage
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: chinese cabbage
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Haywood County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.
At an elevation of 3,782 feet, Haywood County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chinese Cabbage root diseases.
Haywood County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7.1
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 Haywood County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–7.1) overlaps with Chinese Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Haywood County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Chinese Cabbage.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 20.
Plant 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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Haywood County). 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 — Haywood County, TN
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
211 days in Haywood County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Haywood County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after April 01 in Haywood County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Haywood County, TN?
Haywood County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Haywood County, TN?
Haywood County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Haywood County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Haywood County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.