Napa Cabbage (Chinese Cabbage) in Zone 8a & 8b
Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis
When to plant napa cabbage (chinese cabbage) in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | Feb 25–Mar 4 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Mar 25–Apr 1 |
| Estimated harvest | May 21–May 28 (~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 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. 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 8b 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 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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