When to plant Napa Cabbage in Perry County, IL
Perry County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Plant Napa Cabbage between March 26 (after last frost on April 9) and April 16. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Perry County, IL
This month in Perry County, Illinois
Your garden in Perry County, Illinois is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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.
Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 806 feet, Perry County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season.
Perry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Napa Cabbage Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Perry County
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Napa Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Perry County is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Napa Cabbage will thrive.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
Napa Cabbage Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa Cabbage needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Napa Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Perry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Napa Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Perry County, IL
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
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
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Perry County
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Perry County
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after April 09 in Perry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Napa Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Perry County, IL?
Perry County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Perry County, IL?
Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Perry County, IL?
In Perry County, IL, plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Perry County, IL for Napa Cabbage?
Perry 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 Perry County's climate?
Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.
Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Perry 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.