When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Monroe County, IL
Plant Chinese Cabbage in Monroe County after April 14; the prime window is March 31–April 21. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Monroe 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.
Monroe County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Monroe County, IL
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jul 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Monroe 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
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Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Monroe County, IL?
Monroe County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, IL?
Monroe County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Monroe County, IL?
In Monroe County, IL, plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, IL for Chinese Cabbage?
Monroe 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 Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 24.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe 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.