When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Bee County, TX
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Bee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 301 days.
At an elevation of 2,076 feet, Bee County receives approximately 68.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Chinese Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chinese Cabbage root diseases.
Bee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.5
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 Bee County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.5) is within Chinese Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bee County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Chinese Cabbage.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 16.
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 6.5" | 10.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.6" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Bee 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 — Bee County, TX
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Harvest | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 8 |
| Fall Sowing | October 16 | Oct 16 – Oct 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
301 days in Bee County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Bee County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after February 13 in Bee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Bee County, provide afternoon shade for Chinese Cabbage and water deeply in the morning.
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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Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Bee County, TX?
Bee County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bee County, TX?
Bee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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