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When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Williamson 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.

Williamson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 1,023 feet, Williamson County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chinese Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chinese Cabbage root diseases.

Williamson County, TX (Zone 9a) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Williamson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.1-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage

Chinese 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 Chinese Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 7.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Williamson County, TX

Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Direct Sow February 12 Feb 12 – Mar 5
Harvest April 30 Apr 30 – May 28
Fall Sowing September 27 Sep 27 – Oct 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

262 days in Williamson County

Growing Tips for Williamson County

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

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Williamson County, TX?

Williamson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Williamson County, TX?

Williamson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 22.

🌱

Your Williamson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Williamson 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 Williamson County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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