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When to plant Bok Choy in Carroll County, IL

The best window to plant Bok Choy in Carroll County, is April 8–April 29, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 22; first frost October 13. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Bok Choy in Carroll 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.

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 Bok Choy to ensure they mature before fall.

Carroll County, IL (Zone 5a) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Carroll County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Bok Choy Planting Timeline — Carroll County, IL

Bok Choy 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 3 Jun 3 – Jul 8
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

174 days in Carroll County

Growing Tips for Carroll 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 Carroll County, IL?

Carroll County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Bok Choy 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.

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

In Carroll County, IL, plant Bok Choy after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Carroll County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Bok Choy grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Bok Choy grow in Carroll County's climate?

Yes — Bok Choy grows well in Carroll County's temperate climate. Carroll County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 13.

🌱

Your Carroll County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Carroll County (Zone 5a). 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 Carroll County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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