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When to plant Horseradish in DeWitt County, IL

Plant Horseradish in DeWitt County, between April 29 and May 13 — the only viable window. Zone 6a's short season (185 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Horseradish in DeWitt County, IL

Horseradish is a vigorous perennial grown for its pungent, spicy roots used as a condiment. Once established, it can be difficult to eradicate, so choose its location carefully.

DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 801 feet, DeWitt County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horseradish to ensure they mature before fall.

DeWitt County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

DeWitt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Horseradish

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

Month Horseradish Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Horseradish Planting Timeline — DeWitt County, IL

Horseradish Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13
Harvest September 2 Sep 2 – Nov 11

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

120–180 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

185 days in DeWitt County

Growing Tips for DeWitt County

Plant root cuttings at a 45-degree angle in early spring. Harvest roots in late fall for strongest flavor. Contain the plant with barriers or grow in large containers.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Horseradish in DeWitt County, IL?

DeWitt County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Horseradish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DeWitt County, IL?

DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Horseradish in DeWitt County, IL?

In DeWitt County, IL, plant Horseradish after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is DeWitt County, IL for Horseradish?

DeWitt County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Horseradish grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Horseradish grow in DeWitt County's climate?

Yes — Horseradish grows well in DeWitt County's temperate climate. DeWitt County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.

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Your DeWitt County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for DeWitt 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.

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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 DeWitt County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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