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When to plant Pac Choi in Jackson County, IL

In Jackson County, plant Pac Choi in spring between March 27 and April 17, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Jackson County's last frost averages April 10, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between August 12 and August 26 — roughly 40–55 days before the first frost on October 21.

When to Plant Pac Choi in Jackson 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.

Jackson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 1,046 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season.

Jackson County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.1

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 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Jackson County, IL

Pac Choi 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 May 22 May 22 – Jun 19
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

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 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 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson 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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pac Choi in Jackson County, IL?

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

What planting zone is Jackson County, IL?

Jackson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Pac Choi in Jackson County, IL?

In Jackson County, IL, plant Pac Choi after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, IL for Pac Choi?

Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Pac Choi grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Pac Choi grow in Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Pac Choi grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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