When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Carroll County, IL
Napa cabbage forms tall, barrel-shaped heads with tender, crinkled leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is the primary cabbage used for kimchi.
Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 778 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Napa Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Carroll County, IL
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 |
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
55–75 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
174 days
Growing Tips for Carroll County
Best grown as a fall crop. Direct sow in late summer, 60-70 days before first frost. Keep soil evenly moist. Bolt-resistant varieties are available for spring planting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Carroll County, IL?
Carroll County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carroll County, IL?
Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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