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When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Caldwell County, TX

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.

Caldwell County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.

At an elevation of 3,482 feet, Caldwell County receives approximately 60.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Napa Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Napa Cabbage root diseases.

Caldwell County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
277 days
Last Spring Frost February 27
277 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Caldwell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.8-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage

Napa Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Napa Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Caldwell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Caldwell County, TX

Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 30 Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Outdoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13
Direct Sow February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 27
Harvest April 24 Apr 24 – May 29
Fall Sowing October 6 Oct 6 – Oct 20

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

55–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

277 days in Caldwell County

Growing Tips for Caldwell County

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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Caldwell County, TX?

Caldwell County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 27. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Caldwell County, TX?

Caldwell County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and first fall frost is December 1.

🌱

Your Caldwell County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Caldwell County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Caldwell County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.