When to Plant Bok Choy in Stephenson 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.
Stephenson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 1,345 feet, Stephenson County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Bok Choy during the growing season.
Stephenson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Bok Choy
Bok Choy needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bok Choy Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Stephenson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bok Choy Planting Timeline — Stephenson County, IL
Bok Choy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Stephenson County
Growing Tips for Stephenson 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
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Bok Choy in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bok Choy in Stephenson County, IL?
Stephenson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stephenson County, IL?
Stephenson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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