When to Plant Cucumber in Vermilion County, IL
Cucumbers are a warm-season vine crop available in slicing and pickling varieties. They are prolific producers when given warmth, moisture, and a trellis to climb.
Vermilion County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Vermilion County receives approximately 31.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season.
Vermilion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.9
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cucumber Planting Timeline — Vermilion County, IL
Cucumber Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
185 days
Growing Tips for Vermilion County
Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 3 weeks early. Provide a trellis for vining types to save space and improve air circulation. Harvest frequently to encourage production.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Cucumber in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cucumber in Vermilion County, IL?
Vermilion County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Vermilion County, IL?
Vermilion County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Vermilion County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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