When to Plant Bok Choy in Douglas County, IL
Bok choy is a Chinese cabbage variety with crisp white stalks and dark green leaves. It is a fast-growing cool-season crop ideal for stir-fries and soups.
Douglas County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 1,036 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Bok Choy during the growing season.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Bok Choy Planting Timeline — Douglas County, IL
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 30 |
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 | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
186 days
Growing Tips for Douglas County
Direct sow in spring or fall for best results. Keep soil consistently moist. Harvest whole heads or cut outer leaves for a cut-and-come-again approach.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Bok Choy in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in Douglas County, IL?
Douglas County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, IL?
Douglas County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Douglas County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.