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When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Sterling Heights, Michigan (48310)

Location

Sterling Heights, Michigan

ZIP Code

48310

USDA Zone

6b

Last Frost

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Based on last frost Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · Zone 6b

Pro tip: Start Napa Cabbage seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis
Days to Maturity 70 days
Mature Height 12-18"
Spread 12"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 4-7 days

Ready to Plant Napa Cabbage in Sterling Heights?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BeetOnionCeleryCucumber

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

StrawberryTomatoPepper
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Napa Cabbage

See which plants help Napa Cabbage thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow heads to bolt in spring heat. Harvest seed pods when tan and dry.

Processing

Thresh dried seed stalks, winnow to separate seeds.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Brassica rapa — crosses with bok choy, turnip, and other rapa crops. Isolate by 300 feet.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Napa Cabbage. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Sterling Heights, Michigan? +

In Sterling Heights (Zone 6b), start Napa Cabbage seeds indoors around Wednesday, March 4, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Sterling Heights, Michigan? +

The average last spring frost date for Sterling Heights, Michigan (ZIP 48310) is around Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6b.

How long does Napa Cabbage take to grow? +

Napa Cabbage typically matures in about 70 days from transplanting. In Sterling Heights, that means you can expect harvest around Wednesday, April 29, 2026 plus 70 days.

Should I start Napa Cabbage indoors or direct sow in Michigan? +

Napa Cabbage should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Sterling Heights, that means starting around Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Other Plants for Sterling Heights

Growing Napa Cabbage in Zone 6b

Napa Cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Sterling Heights, Michigan, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, you should start seeds indoors around Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Napa Cabbage seedlings outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.