§ When to plant · Illinois · Checked Sept 2026
In Chicago, tender crops like tomatoes and peppers can go out around April 25, and frost has historically passed 9 years in 10 by May 9. Cool-season crops go in from March, and again from July for fall.
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§ 010 · Frost dates
Based on NOAA's 1991–2020 station records, with adjustments for tender crops.
| City · NOAA station | Last frost, on average | Plant tender crops from | Frost is over, 9 of 10 years by | Fall frost possible from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington HeightsCHICAGO PALWAUKEE AIRPORT · 7 km | Apr 19 | May 2May 2 | May 15 | Oct 13 |
| AuroraAURORA · 2 km | Apr 19 | May 4May 4 | May 19 | Oct 9 |
| BloomingtonNORMAL 4NE · 8 km | Apr 25 | May 9May 9 | May 22 | Oct 2 |
| BolingbrookROMEOVILLE WFO · 9 km | Apr 20 | May 4May 4 | May 17 | Oct 7 |
| ChampaignCHAMPAIGN 3S · 4 km | Apr 15 | Apr 28April 28 | May 10 | Oct 11 |
| ChicagoCHICAGO NORTHERLY IS · 7 km | Apr 10 | Apr 25April 25 | May 9 | Oct 24 |
| CiceroCHICAGO MIDWAY AIRPORT · 7 km | Apr 11 | Apr 25April 25 | May 8 | Oct 20 |
| DecaturDECATUR WTP · 3 km | Apr 14 | Apr 29April 29 | May 13 | Oct 11 |
| Des PlainesCHICAGO OHARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT · 5 km | Apr 16 | Apr 30April 30 | May 13 | Oct 15 |
| ElginELGIN · 4 km | Apr 26 | May 10May 10 | May 24 | Oct 3 |
| EvanstonCHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN · 13 km | Apr 26 | May 11May 11 | May 26 | Oct 5 |
| JolietJOLIET BRANDON RD DAM · 4 km | Apr 19 | May 4May 4 | May 18 | Oct 12 |
| NapervilleLISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM · 10 km | Apr 28 | May 12May 12 | May 25 | Oct 1 |
| PalatineBARRINGTON 3SW · 10 km | Apr 25 | May 10May 10 | May 25 | Oct 5 |
| PeoriaPEORIA GTR PEORIA AIRPORT · 11 km | Apr 16 | Apr 30April 30 | May 14 | Oct 9 |
| RockfordROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AIRPORT · 8 km | Apr 24 | May 7May 7 | May 19 | Oct 2 |
| SchaumburgSTREAMWOOD · 8 km | Apr 30 | May 15May 15 | May 29 | Sep 29 |
| SkokieCHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN · 12 km | Apr 26 | May 11May 11 | May 26 | Oct 5 |
| SpringfieldSPRINGFIELD #2 · 3 km | Apr 15 | Apr 29April 29 | May 13 | Oct 9 |
| WaukeganWAUKEGAN · 2 km | Apr 30 | May 14May 14 | May 27 | Sep 30 |
Illinois's 20 largest cities (U.S. Census Bureau 2025 estimates), A to Z, each with its nearest NOAA station and the distance to it. Search any town to get its nearest station. "Plant tender crops from" is halfway between the average last frost and the date frost is over 9 years in 10; if frost is in the forecast after it, wait until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
§ 020 · What to plant
Planting windows from Illinois's Cooperative Extension Service. Filter by season or crop group; every view has its own link.
Link to this view getezina.com/when-to-plant/illinois/
§ 030 · Crop by crop
Each crop has its own link, like #tomatoes. Tender crops wait for the frost dates above; succession crops are sown again every few weeks for a steady harvest.
Asparagus officinalis
Perennial
Northern Illinois: plant Apr.
Central Illinois: plant Mar–Apr.
Southern Illinois: plant Mar–Apr.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Beta vulgaris
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow Apr–Jul.
Central Illinois: sow Apr–Jul.
Southern Illinois: sow Mar–Jul.
Ready in about 58 days; sow again every 6 weeks.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica oleracea
Cool season
Northern Illinois: set out transplants Apr–May, and again Jul.
Central Illinois: set out transplants Apr–May, and again Jul.
Southern Illinois: set out transplants Mar–Apr, and again Jul.
Ready in about 95 days from seed, 65 from transplants.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica oleracea
Cool season
Northern Illinois: set out transplants Apr–Jul.
Central Illinois: set out transplants Apr–Jul.
Southern Illinois: set out transplants Mar–Jul.
Ready in about 110 days from seed, 80 from transplants.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Cucumis melo
Tender
Northern Illinois: sow Jun.
Central Illinois: sow May–Jun.
Southern Illinois: sow May.
Ready in about 80 days from seed, 70 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Daucus carota
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow Apr–Jul.
Central Illinois: sow Apr–Jul.
Southern Illinois: sow Mar–Jul.
Ready in about 70 days; sow again every 7 weeks.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica oleracea
Cool season
Northern Illinois: set out transplants Jul–Aug.
Central Illinois: set out transplants Apr–May, and again Jul.
Southern Illinois: set out transplants Jun–Jul.
Ready in about 95 days from seed, 68 from transplants.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Cucumis sativus
TenderSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow May–Jun.
Central Illinois: sow May–Jun.
Southern Illinois: sow Apr–Jun.
Ready in about 58 days from seed, 50 from transplants; sow again every 7 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Solanum melongena
Tender
Northern Illinois: set out transplants May–Jun.
Central Illinois: set out transplants May–Jun.
Southern Illinois: set out transplants Apr–Jun.
Ready in about 75 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Cichorium endivia
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow Apr–May, and again Aug.
Central Illinois: sow Apr–May, and again Jul–Aug.
Southern Illinois: sow Mar–Apr, and again Jul–Aug.
Ready in about 90 days from seed, 70 from transplants; sow again every 8 weeks.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Allium sativum
Cool seasonOverwinters
Northern Illinois: plant Sep.
Central Illinois: plant Oct.
Southern Illinois: plant Oct.
Ready in about 240 days.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Phaseolus vulgaris
TenderSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow May–Jun, and again May–Aug.
Central Illinois: sow May–Jun, and again May–Jul.
Southern Illinois: sow Apr–Jun, and again Jul.
Ready in about 55 days; sow again every 5 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Allium fistulosum
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: plant Apr–May.
Central Illinois: plant Mar–May.
Southern Illinois: plant Mar–Apr.
Ready in about 65 days from seed, 50 from transplants; sow again every 6 weeks.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica oleracea
Cool season
Northern Illinois: set out transplants Apr–May, and again Aug.
Central Illinois: set out transplants Apr, and again Jul–Aug.
Southern Illinois: set out transplants Mar–Apr, and again Jul.
Ready in about 60 days from seed, 45 from transplants.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica oleracea
Cool season
Northern Illinois: sow Apr, and again Jul.
Central Illinois: sow Mar–Apr, and again Jul.
Southern Illinois: sow Mar, and again Jun.
Ready in about 55 days from seed, 45 from transplants.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Lactuca sativa
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow Apr–May, and again Jul–Sep.
Central Illinois: sow Apr, and again Jul–Aug.
Southern Illinois: sow Mar–Apr, and again Jun–Aug.
Ready in about 65 days from seed, 50 from transplants; sow again every 6 weeks.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica juncea
Cool season
Northern Illinois: sow Apr–Jun, and again Jul–Sep.
Central Illinois: sow Apr, and again Jul–Aug.
Southern Illinois: sow Mar–Apr, and again Jun–Aug.
Ready in about 45 days.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Abelmoschus esculentus
Tender
Northern Illinois: set out transplants May–Jun.
Central Illinois: set out transplants May–Jun.
Southern Illinois: set out transplants Apr–Jun.
Ready in about 55 days from seed, 45 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Pastinaca sativa
Cool season
Northern Illinois: sow May–Aug.
Central Illinois: sow May–Jul.
Southern Illinois: sow Apr–Jul.
Ready in about 120 days.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Pisum sativum
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow Apr–May.
Central Illinois: sow Mar–May.
Southern Illinois: sow Mar–Apr.
Ready in about 65 days; sow again every 5 weeks.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Capsicum annuum
Tender
Northern Illinois: set out transplants Jun–Jul.
Central Illinois: set out transplants May–Jul.
Southern Illinois: set out transplants May–Jun.
Ready in about 70 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Solanum tuberosum
Cool season
Northern Illinois: plant Apr.
Central Illinois: plant Apr.
Southern Illinois: plant Mar.
Ready in about 100 days.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Cucurbita pepo
Tender
Northern Illinois: sow Jun.
Central Illinois: sow May–Jun.
Southern Illinois: sow May.
Ready in about 110 days from seed, 95 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Raphanus sativus
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow Apr–Jun, and again Aug–Sep.
Central Illinois: sow Apr–Jun, and again Aug.
Southern Illinois: sow Mar–May, and again Jul–Aug.
Ready in about 28 days; sow again every 3 weeks.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Rheum rhabarbarum
Perennial
Northern Illinois: plant Apr–May, and again Aug.
Central Illinois: plant Mar–May, and again Jul–Aug.
Southern Illinois: plant Mar–May, and again Jul.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica napus
Cool season
Northern Illinois: sow May–Aug.
Central Illinois: sow May–Jul.
Southern Illinois: sow Apr–Jul.
Ready in about 95 days.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Spinacia oleracea
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow Apr, and again Aug–Sep.
Central Illinois: sow Mar–Apr, and again Jul–Aug.
Southern Illinois: sow Mar–Apr, and again Jul–Aug.
Ready in about 42 days; sow again every 5 weeks.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Cucurbita pepo
TenderSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow May–Jun.
Central Illinois: sow May–Jun.
Southern Illinois: sow Apr–Jun.
Ready in about 50 days from seed, 40 from transplants; sow again every 7 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Zea mays
TenderSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow May–Jul.
Central Illinois: sow May–Jul.
Southern Illinois: sow Apr–Jun.
Ready in about 78 days; sow again every 6 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Ipomoea batatas
Tender
Northern Illinois: set out transplants May–Jun.
Central Illinois: set out transplants May–Jun.
Southern Illinois: set out transplants Apr–May.
Ready in about 100 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Beta vulgaris
Cool season
Northern Illinois: plant Apr–May, and again Jul–Aug.
Central Illinois: plant Apr–Jun, and again Jul–Aug.
Southern Illinois: plant Mar–May, and again Jul.
Ready in about 55 days from seed, 40 from transplants.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Solanum lycopersicum
Tender
Northern Illinois: set out transplants May–Jun.
Central Illinois: set out transplants May–Jun.
Southern Illinois: set out transplants Apr–May.
Ready in about 75 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica rapa
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Northern Illinois: sow May–Aug.
Central Illinois: sow May–Jul, and again Jul–Aug.
Southern Illinois: sow Apr–Jul.
Ready in about 50 days; sow again every 5 weeks.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Citrullus lanatus
Tender
Northern Illinois: sow May–Jul.
Central Illinois: sow May–Jun.
Southern Illinois: sow Apr–Jun.
Ready in about 85 days from seed, 75 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Cucurbita moschata
Tender
Northern Illinois: sow Jun.
Central Illinois: sow May–Jun.
Southern Illinois: sow May.
Ready in about 95 days from seed, 80 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Illinois Extension (College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), When to Plant | Home Vegetable Gardening. Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
§ 040 · Questions
On average from about April 10 in Chicago to April 30 in Schaumburg. Frost is over 9 years in 10 by May 8 to May 29.
The extension service lists April to June. Tomatoes are frost-tender, so Ezina dates them from about April 25 in Chicago. If frost is in the forecast, wait until it passes.
The extension calendar lists garlic for October.
The latest fall windows on the calendar close in October. Filter by Fall above to see what is still open.
A zone is the coldest winter night, not a frost date. These dates come from NOAA station records and the extension service.
Yes. Run Ezina Dig on your address and your bed plans are dated from that site's own frost records, on iPhone and Android in the contiguous U.S.