Illinois Planting Calendar
Frost dates, growing zones, and planting dates for Illinois gardeners.
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
The Short Answer
Illinois spans USDA zones 5a through 7a, which means planting dates vary significantly across the state. Northern Illinois (Chicago) has an average last frost around Apr 25 - May 10, while Southern Illinois sees its last frost around Apr 1 - Apr 15. Use our homepage tool with your zip code for dates specific to your exact location.
Illinois Frost Dates by Region
Continental climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Cold winters. Good growing season length in central and southern regions.
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Illinois (Chicago) | 5a, 5b | Apr 25 - May 10 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Central Illinois | 5b, 6a | Apr 15 - May 1 | Oct 5 - Oct 20 |
| Southern Illinois | 6b, 7a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Soil & Growing Conditions
Rich prairie soils — some of the most fertile in the country. Heavy clay in many areas. Well-suited for most vegetables.
What to Plant in Illinois
Illinois's four-season climate supports nearly everything in the garden. Your balanced growing conditions are the envy of both hotter and colder states. Here are the best performers:
Warm-Season Stars
Cool-Season & Year-Round
Flowers, Herbs & More
Browse all 100 plants — or enter your zip code for personalized planting dates.
Neighboring States
Gardeners near state borders may find useful information in neighboring state guides:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026