When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Pierce County, WI
May in the garden — Pierce County, Wisconsin
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Pierce County, Wisconsin.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: chinese cabbage
- First harvests: chinese cabbage
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Pierce County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 523 feet, Pierce County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chinese Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Pierce County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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 Pierce County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) overlaps with Chinese Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pierce County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Chinese Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 16.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.7" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pierce 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 — Pierce County, WI
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 |
| Fall Sowing | July 16 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Pierce County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Pierce County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after April 28 in Pierce County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Pierce County, WI?
Pierce County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pierce County, WI?
Pierce County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 8.
Your Pierce County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pierce County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.