When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Henrico County, VA
Your May game plan for Henrico County, Virginia
Here's what deserves your attention in Henrico County, Virginia this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start napa cabbage indoors
You're about 25 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: napa cabbage
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.
Henrico County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 347 feet, Henrico County receives approximately 50.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Napa Cabbage root diseases.
Henrico County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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 Henrico County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.8) overlaps with Napa Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Henrico County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa 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 | Napa Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 5.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Henrico County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Napa 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.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Henrico County, VA
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jul 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| 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
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Henrico County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Henrico County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after April 07 in Henrico County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Napa 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. 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Henrico County, VA?
Henrico County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Henrico County, VA?
Henrico County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Henrico County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Henrico County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.