When to Plant Cranberries in Macon County, IL
Cranberries are low-growing, vine-like shrubs that produce tart red berries in fall. They grow in acidic, boggy conditions and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.
Macon County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 1,064 feet, Macon County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.
Macon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Macon County, IL
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
Soil pH
4 – 5.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
189 days
Growing Tips for Macon County
Create an acidic, consistently moist bed with peat moss. Cranberries do not need to be flooded to grow; flooding is only used for commercial harvesting. Mulch with sand in early spring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Cranberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cranberries in Macon County, IL?
Macon County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Macon County, IL?
Macon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Macon County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.