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When to plant Napa Cabbage in Edwards County, IL

Edwards County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Napa Cabbage between March 26 (after last frost on April 9) and April 16. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Edwards 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.

Edwards County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.

At an elevation of 1,374 feet, Edwards County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.

Edwards County, IL (Zone 6b) Long season
202 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
202 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Edwards County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage

Napa Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Napa Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Edwards County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Edwards County, IL

Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 – Jul 9
Fall Sowing August 19 Aug 19 – Sep 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
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

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

202 days in Edwards County

Growing Tips for Edwards 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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Edwards County, IL?

Edwards County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Edwards County, IL?

Edwards County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.

When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Edwards County, IL?

In Edwards County, IL, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Edwards County, IL for Napa Cabbage?

Edwards County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Napa Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Napa Cabbage grow in Edwards County's climate?

Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Edwards County's temperate climate. Edwards County averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 28.

🌱

Your Edwards County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Edwards County (Zone 6b). 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 Edwards County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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