When to Plant Bok Choy in Henry 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.
Henry County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 593 feet, Henry County receives approximately 31.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Bok Choy during the growing season.
Henry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
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
Bok Choy Planting Timeline — Henry County, IL
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 2 |
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 | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
183 days
Growing Tips for Henry 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 Henry County, IL?
Henry County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Henry County, IL?
Henry County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Henry County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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