When to Plant Sweet Corn in Illinois
In Illinois, the time to sow sweet corn outside runs from Apr 17 – May 1 in Chicago to May 7 – May 21 in Waukegan. In Chicago, it's Apr 17 – May 1. The average last spring frost differs by about 3 weeks across the state (Apr 10 in Chicago, Apr 30 in Waukegan), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Sow corn in blocks rather than single rows so it pollinates well. Wait for soil around 60°F.
- Sow outside: 1–3 weeks after the last frost.
Sweet Corn planting dates in Illinois by city
| City | Zone | Sow outside |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington Heights | 6a | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Aurora | 5b | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Bartlett | 5b | May 7 – May 21 |
| Belleville | 7a | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Berwyn | 6a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Bloomington | 6a | May 2 – May 16 |
| Bolingbrook | 6a | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Buffalo Grove | 6a | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Champaign | 6a | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Chicago | 6a | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Cicero | 6a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Crystal Lake | 5b | May 2 – May 16 |
| Decatur | 6a | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Des Plaines | 6a | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Downers Grove | 6a | May 5 – May 19 |
| Elgin | 5b | May 3 – May 17 |
| Elmhurst | 6a | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Evanston | 6a | May 3 – May 17 |
| Glenview | 6a | May 3 – May 17 |
| Hoffman Estates | 5b | May 7 – May 21 |
| Joliet | 5b | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Lombard | 6a | May 5 – May 19 |
| Moline | 5b | May 1 – May 15 |
| Mount Prospect | 6a | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Naperville | 5b | May 5 – May 19 |
| Normal | 6a | May 2 – May 16 |
| Oak Lawn | 6a | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Oak Park | 6a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Orland Park | 6a | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Palatine | 5b | May 2 – May 16 |
| Peoria | 6a | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Plainfield | 5b | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Rockford | 5b | May 1 – May 15 |
| Romeoville | 6a | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Schaumburg | 5b | May 7 – May 21 |
| Skokie | 6a | May 3 – May 17 |
| Springfield | 6a | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Tinley Park | 6a | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Waukegan | 6a | May 7 – May 21 |
| Wheaton | 5b | May 5 – May 19 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Illinois, or the general guide to when to plant sweet corn.
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