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Can You Grow Bok Choy in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Bok choy grows reliably in your zone — it loves cool weather and handles light frosts.

Plant zones

4a–9b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

45–60 days

When to plant Bok Choys in Illinois

Start indoors

Mar 10

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

May 22 – Jun 6

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Bok Choy

Bok choy is an Asian brassica that grows fast, tolerates light frost, and produces tender crisp leaves for stir-fries and soups. A reliable cool-season performer with two growing windows per year.

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow in fall. Harvest outer leaves continuously or cut the whole head at 2 inches above soil for regrowth. Keep moist — dry conditions trigger bolting.

Full bok choy growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.