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When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Hardin County, IL

Hardin County's climate puts the Chinese Cabbage spring window between March 21 and April 11. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 22 to September 5 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Hardin County, IL

Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.

Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.

At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Hardin County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season.

Hardin County, IL (Zone 7a) Long season
210 days
Last Spring Frost April 4
210 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Hardin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Hardin County, IL

Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 11
Harvest May 30 May 30 – Jun 27
Fall Sowing August 22 Aug 22 – Sep 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

210 days in Hardin County

Growing Tips for Hardin County

Best grown as a fall crop to avoid bolting. Start seeds indoors or direct sow in late summer. Keep soil consistently moist and provide shade in warm weather.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Hardin County, IL?

Hardin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hardin County, IL?

Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Hardin County, IL?

In Hardin County, IL, plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around April 4) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hardin County, IL for Chinese Cabbage?

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

Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Hardin County's climate?

Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Hardin County's temperate climate. Hardin County averages a 210-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 4 and first frost around October 31.

🌱

Your Hardin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hardin 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 Hardin County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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