When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Orange 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.
Orange County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 302 days.
At an elevation of 231 feet, Orange County receives approximately 63.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Napa Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Napa Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Napa Cabbage root diseases.
Orange County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.5
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Orange County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Orange County, TX
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Direct Sow | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 12 |
| Harvest | April 9 | Apr 9 – May 14 |
| 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
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
302 days in Orange County
Growing Tips for Orange 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Orange County, TX?
Orange County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Orange County, TX?
Orange County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 11.
Your Orange County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Orange County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.