FrostCal

When to Plant Spinach in Illinois

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 9 – Mar 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 18 in Granite City and as late as Mar 20 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 27 – Sep 10.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 40–50 days

Very cold-hardy; direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked.

Spinach Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sowFall planting
ChicagoFeb 27 – Mar 13Sep 10 – Sep 24
AuroraMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 28 – Sep 11
RockfordMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 22 – Sep 5
JolietMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 30 – Sep 13
NapervilleMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 21 – Sep 4
PeoriaMar 5 – Mar 19Aug 28 – Sep 11
SpringfieldMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 27 – Sep 10
North PeoriaMar 5 – Mar 19Aug 28 – Sep 11
ElginMar 15 – Mar 29Aug 23 – Sep 6
WaukeganMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 24 – Sep 7
ChampaignMar 4 – Mar 18Aug 29 – Sep 12
CiceroFeb 28 – Mar 14Sep 5 – Sep 19
BloomingtonMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 25 – Sep 8
Arlington HeightsMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 31 – Sep 14
EvanstonMar 15 – Mar 29Aug 26 – Sep 9
SchaumburgMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 18 – Sep 1
BolingbrookMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 27 – Sep 10
DecaturMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 29 – Sep 12
PalatineMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 24 – Sep 7
SkokieMar 15 – Mar 29Aug 26 – Sep 9
Des PlainesMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 2 – Sep 16
Orland ParkMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 27 – Sep 10
Tinley ParkMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 25 – Sep 8
Oak LawnFeb 27 – Mar 13Sep 6 – Sep 20
BerwynFeb 28 – Mar 14Sep 5 – Sep 19
Mount ProspectMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 31 – Sep 14
NormalMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 21 – Sep 4
WheatonMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 21 – Sep 4
Oak ParkFeb 28 – Mar 14Sep 5 – Sep 19
Hoffman EstatesMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 18 – Sep 1

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 spinach in Illinois?

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 9 – Mar 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 18 in Granite City and as late as Mar 20 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 27 – Sep 10.

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 spinach take to grow?

Spinach typically take 40–50 days from planting to harvest. Very cold-hardy; direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked.

Other Crops in Illinois

When to plant spinach in other states

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