When to Plant Corn in Illinois
In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Apr 20 – May 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 1 in Granite City and as late as May 1 in Roscoe.
Direct sow at last frost to 2 weeks after, once soil reaches 60F; does not transplant well. Succession sow every 2 weeks.
Corn Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Chicago | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Aurora | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Rockford | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Joliet | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Naperville | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Peoria | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Springfield | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| North Peoria | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Elgin | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Waukegan | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Champaign | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Cicero | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Bloomington | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Arlington Heights | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Evanston | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Schaumburg | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Bolingbrook | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Decatur | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Palatine | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Skokie | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Des Plaines | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Orland Park | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Tinley Park | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Oak Lawn | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Berwyn | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Mount Prospect | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Normal | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Wheaton | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Oak Park | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Hoffman Estates | Apr 30 – May 14 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 242 Illinois cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Illinois cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant corn in Illinois?
In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Apr 20 – May 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 1 in Granite City and as late as May 1 in Roscoe.
When is the last frost in Illinois?
The average last spring frost in Illinois ranges from April 1 in Granite City to May 1 in Roscoe, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do corn take to grow?
Corn typically take 60–100 days from planting to harvest. Direct sow at last frost to 2 weeks after, once soil reaches 60F; does not transplant well. Succession sow every 2 weeks.
Other Crops in Illinois
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant corn in other states