When to plant Pac Choi in Effingham County, IL
Effingham County gardeners should plant Pac Choi between April 2 and April 23 in spring. With Effingham County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 16), Pac Choi needs 40–55 days to mature — plant by August 23 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Pac Choi in Effingham County, IL
Pac choi (baby bok choy) is a compact variety of Chinese cabbage with tender leaves and crisp stems. It grows quickly and is ideal for containers and small spaces.
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 Pac Choi to ensure they mature before fall.
Effingham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Pac Choi
Pac Choi needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Pac Choi 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.
Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Effingham County, IL
Pac Choi 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 | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 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
Direct sow in spring or fall. Grows best in cool weather. Space 6 inches apart for baby pac choi. Harvest whole plants or cut outer leaves as needed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Effingham County, IL?
Effingham County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Pac Choi 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 Pac Choi in Effingham County, IL?
In Effingham County, IL, plant Pac Choi 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 Pac Choi?
Effingham County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Pac Choi grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Pac Choi grow in Effingham County's climate?
Yes — Pac Choi 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.