When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Bureau County, IL
Plant Chinese Cabbage in Bureau County after April 22; the prime window is April 8–April 29. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Bureau County, IL
July to-do list for Bureau County, Illinois
Each item below is timed to Bureau County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Bureau County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 613 feet, Bureau County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chinese Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.
Bureau County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Chinese Cabbage 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.
Soil Compatibility in Bureau County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.7) is within Chinese Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bureau County is excellent for Chinese Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Chinese Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
Chinese Cabbage Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage
Chinese Cabbage needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chinese Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.7" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bureau County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chinese Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Bureau County, IL
Chinese 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 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
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
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Bureau County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Bureau County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after April 22 in Bureau County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chinese Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Best grown as a fall crop to avoid bolting. Start seeds indoors or direct sow in late summer. Keep soil consistently moist and provide shade in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Bureau County, IL?
Bureau County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bureau County, IL?
Bureau County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Bureau County, IL?
In Bureau County, IL, plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bureau County, IL for Chinese Cabbage?
Bureau County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Chinese Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Bureau County's climate?
Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Bureau County's temperate climate. Bureau County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.
Your Bureau County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bureau County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.