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When to plant Napa Cabbage in Franklin County, IL

For Franklin County, gardeners: plant Napa Cabbage March 27 through April 17 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Franklin 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.

Franklin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 747 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.

Franklin County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Franklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Franklin County, IL

Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Jul 10
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

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
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

193 days in Franklin County

Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, IL?

Franklin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Franklin County, IL?

Franklin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 20.

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

In Franklin County, IL, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Napa Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Napa Cabbage grow in Franklin County's climate?

Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 7a). 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 Franklin County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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