Blog

When to plant Napa Cabbage in Effingham County, IL

Spring Napa Cabbage in Effingham County goes in April 2–April 23, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Effingham 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.

Effingham County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.

At an elevation of 953 feet, Effingham County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Napa Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.

Effingham County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
184 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
184 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Effingham County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.2

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Effingham County, IL

Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 – Jul 16
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

184 days in Effingham County

Growing Tips for Effingham 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 Effingham County, IL?

Effingham County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Effingham County, IL?

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

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

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

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

Effingham 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 Effingham County's climate?

Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Effingham County's temperate climate. Effingham County averages a 184-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Effingham County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Effingham 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.