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When to plant Bok Choy in Brown County, IL

For Brown County, gardeners: plant Bok Choy April 3 through April 24 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Bok Choy in Brown 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.

Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 868 feet, Brown County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Bok Choy during the growing season.

Brown County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Brown County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Bok Choy Planting Timeline — Brown County, IL

Bok Choy Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 24
Harvest May 29 May 29 – Jul 3
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors 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

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

182 days in Brown County

Growing Tips for Brown 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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Bok Choy in Brown County, IL?

Brown County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Bok Choy planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Brown County, IL?

Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Bok Choy in Brown County, IL?

In Brown County, IL, plant Bok Choy after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Brown County, IL for Bok Choy?

Brown County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Bok Choy grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Bok Choy grow in Brown County's climate?

Yes — Bok Choy grows well in Brown County's temperate climate. Brown County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Brown County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Brown County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Brown County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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