When to plant Rhubarb in Adams County, IL
Plant Rhubarb in Adams County, between May 5 and May 19 — the only viable window. Zone 6a's short season (189 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Rhubarb in Adams County, IL
Rhubarb is a long-lived perennial vegetable grown for its tart, colorful stalks. Only the stalks are edible as the leaves contain toxic oxalic acid.
Adams County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 1,390 feet, Adams County receives approximately 33.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Rhubarb during the growing season.
Adams County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Rhubarb Planting Timeline — Adams County, IL
Rhubarb Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Adams County
Growing Tips for Adams County
Plant crowns in early spring in rich, well-drained soil. Do not harvest stalks the first year. Pull (do not cut) stalks at harvest to avoid introducing rot.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rhubarb in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rhubarb in Adams County, IL?
Adams County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Rhubarb planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Adams County, IL?
Adams County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Rhubarb in Adams County, IL?
In Adams County, IL, plant Rhubarb after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Adams County, IL for Rhubarb?
Adams County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Rhubarb grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rhubarb grow in Adams County's climate?
Yes — Rhubarb grows well in Adams County's temperate climate. Adams County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 20.
Your Adams County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Adams County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.