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When to plant Chervil in Bureau County, IL

Aim to plant Chervil in Bureau County on or after April 8; the window stays open through April 29. Bureau County's 175-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chervil in Bureau County, IL

Chervil is a delicate herb with a subtle anise-parsley flavor, essential in French cuisine as part of fines herbes. It prefers cool conditions and partial shade.

Bureau County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 613 feet, Bureau County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chervil to ensure they mature before fall.

Bureau County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Bureau County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chervil

Chervil needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chervil Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bureau County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chervil Planting Timeline — Bureau County, IL

Chervil Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 1
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 – Apr 29
Direct Sow April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 29
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 29
Fall Sowing August 5 Aug 5 – Aug 19

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

175 days in Bureau County

Growing Tips for Bureau County

Direct sow in early spring or fall as chervil bolts in heat. Provide shade and cool conditions. Harvest outer leaves as needed; use fresh as it loses flavor when dried.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chervil in Bureau County, IL?

Bureau County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Chervil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bureau County, IL?

Bureau County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 14.

When should I plant Chervil in Bureau County, IL?

In Bureau County, IL, plant Chervil after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bureau County, IL for Chervil?

Bureau County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Chervil grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chervil grow in Bureau County's climate?

Yes — Chervil grows well in Bureau County's temperate climate. Bureau County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.

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Your Bureau County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bureau County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bureau County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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