Napa Cabbage (Chinese Cabbage) in Zone 2a & 2b
Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis
When to plant napa cabbage (chinese cabbage) in zone 2b
Zones 2a and 2b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Napa Cabbage (Chinese Cabbage) tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 22–Apr 29 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 20–May 27 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 16–Jul 23 (~57 days after planting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1 ft.

Napa cabbage (also called Chinese cabbage) forms a dense, barrel-shaped head of crinkled, mild-flavored leaves, the classic base for kimchi, and a sweeter, more tender alternative to standard green cabbage.
How napa cabbage (chinese cabbage) fits zone 2's season
Zone 2b's frost-free window runs about 104 days, from May 20 to September 1. Napa Cabbage (Chinese Cabbage) needs about 57 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Napa Cabbage (Chinese Cabbage).
Where to buy napa cabbage seeds
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing napa cabbage (chinese cabbage)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 2b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Napa Cabbage (Chinese Cabbage) in USDA zone 2b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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