When to plant Angelica in Ford County County,
Ford County County gardeners should plant Angelica between April 4 and April 25 in spring. With Ford County County's Zone 6a climate (last frost April 18), Angelica needs 730 days to mature — plant by October 18 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Angelica in Ford County, IL
Top priorities for Ford County, Illinois gardeners in June
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Ford County, Illinois this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
Angelica is a dramatic biennial herb that can reach 6 feet tall with large compound leaves and globe-shaped flower clusters. All parts are edible with a sweet, celery-like flavor.
Ford County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 855 feet, Ford County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Angelica to ensure they mature before fall.
Ford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Angelica 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.
Soil Compatibility in Ford County
How your county's soil matches Angelica's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) is within Angelica's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ford County is excellent for Angelica — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Angelica will thrive.
How to Plant Angelica
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Angelica Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Angelica
Angelica needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Angelica Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Angelica Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Angelica Planting Timeline — Ford County, IL
Angelica Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Ford County
Growing Tips for Angelica in Ford County
Direct sow Angelica outdoors after April 18 in Ford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 183.0-day growing season in Ford County is tight for Angelica (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Angelica in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow fresh seeds in fall for spring germination. Provide rich, moist soil and partial shade. Harvest stems in the second year before flowering for candying or flavoring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Angelica in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Angelica in Ford County, IL?
Ford County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Angelica planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ford County, IL?
Ford County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Angelica in Ford County County, ?
In Ford County County, , plant Angelica after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ford County County, for Angelica?
Ford County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Angelica grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Angelica grow in Ford County County's climate?
Yes — Angelica grows well in Ford County County's temperate climate. Ford County County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 18.
Your Ford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ford 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.