When to Plant Pumpkins in Illinois
In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Apr 27 – May 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 8 in Granite City and as late as May 8 in Roscoe.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost; back-time from your first fall frost so the 90-120 day maturity window lands before it.
Pumpkins Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Chicago | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Aurora | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Rockford | May 1 – May 15 |
| Joliet | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Naperville | May 5 – May 19 |
| Peoria | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Springfield | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| North Peoria | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Elgin | May 3 – May 17 |
| Waukegan | May 7 – May 21 |
| Champaign | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Cicero | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Bloomington | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Arlington Heights | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Evanston | May 3 – May 17 |
| Schaumburg | May 7 – May 21 |
| Bolingbrook | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Decatur | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Palatine | May 2 – May 16 |
| Skokie | May 3 – May 17 |
| Des Plaines | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Orland Park | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Tinley Park | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Oak Lawn | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Berwyn | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Mount Prospect | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Normal | May 2 – May 16 |
| Wheaton | May 5 – May 19 |
| Oak Park | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Hoffman Estates | May 7 – May 21 |
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 pumpkins in Illinois?
In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Apr 27 – May 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 8 in Granite City and as late as May 8 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 pumpkins take to grow?
Pumpkins typically take 90–120 days from planting to harvest. Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost; back-time from your first fall frost so the 90-120 day maturity window lands before it.
Other Crops in Illinois
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- 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 pumpkins in other states