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When to plant Chinese Cabbage in Will County County,

Plant Chinese Cabbage in Will County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 9. Continue planting through April 30 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Will 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.

Will County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 655 feet, Will County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chinese Cabbage to ensure they mature before fall.

Will County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17
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Will County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage

Chinese Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chinese Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Will County, IL

Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 – Jul 16
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
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December
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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

177 days in Will County

Growing Tips for Will 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 Will County, IL?

Will County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Will County, IL?

Will County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Will County County, ?

In Will County County, , plant Chinese Cabbage after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Will County County, for Chinese Cabbage?

Will County 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 Will County County's climate?

Yes — Chinese Cabbage grows well in Will County County's temperate climate. Will County County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Will County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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