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When to plant Daylily in Carroll County, IL

Carroll County sits in cold Zone 5a. Plant Daylily May 6–May 20 for the single annual harvest; the October 13 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Daylily in Carroll County, IL

Hemerocallis (Daylily) is one of the most adaptable and trouble-free perennials in cultivation. Though each flower lasts only a single day, established clumps produce dozens to hundreds of buds per stem, delivering weeks of continuous color through summer. Modern hybrids extend the range from pale cream and melon through deep burgundy and purple. Nearly indestructible once established — tolerating poor soil, drought, competition, and neglect — daylilies form dense spreading clumps that effectively suppress weeds. An excellent low-maintenance choice for slopes, borders, and naturalized areas.

Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 778 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Daylily to ensure they mature before fall.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Carroll County, IL (Zone 5a) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Carroll County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Daylily Planting Timeline — Carroll County, IL

Daylily Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Bloom July 29 Jul 29 – Oct 21

Plant 1" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Carroll County

Growing Tips for Carroll County

Daylilies are most commonly propagated by division rather than seed; cultivar seeds do not come true. Transplant bare-root or potted divisions in early spring or fall, setting crowns no more than 1 inch below soil level. If starting from seed (species types only), start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Established plants are extremely drought-tolerant; moderate water during bloom period improves flower quality. Divide crowded clumps every 3–5 years in early spring or fall to maintain vigor. In warm zones (8+), some cultivars are evergreen; in cold zones, foliage dies back each fall. Year 2+ plants bloom most heavily — first-year transplants may produce limited flowers.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Daylily in Carroll County, IL?

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

What planting zone is Carroll County, IL?

Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.

When should I plant Daylily in Carroll County, IL?

In Carroll County, IL, plant Daylily after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Carroll County, IL for Daylily?

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

Can Daylily grow in Carroll County's climate?

Yes — Daylily grows well in Carroll County's temperate climate. Carroll County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 13.

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Your Carroll County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Carroll County (Zone 5a). 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 Carroll County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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