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When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Morgan County, IL

Morgan County's climate puts the Chinese Cabbage spring window between March 31 and April 21. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Morgan 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.

Morgan County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 1,348 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 39.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season.

Morgan County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Morgan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Morgan 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 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Morgan County

Growing Tips for Morgan 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 Morgan County, IL?

Morgan County is in Zone 6a 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 Morgan County, IL?

Morgan County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.

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

In Morgan County, IL, plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Morgan County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chinese Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chinese Cabbage grow in Morgan County's climate?

Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Morgan County's temperate climate. Morgan County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Morgan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Morgan County (Zone 6a). 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 Morgan County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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