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When to plant Horseradish in Fulton County, IL

In Fulton County, Horseradish is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 4–May 18 for an 120–180-day harvest, finishing well before the October 16 first frost.

When to Plant Horseradish in Fulton 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.

Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 1,162 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Horseradish to ensure they mature before fall.

Fulton County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Fulton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Horseradish Planting Timeline — Fulton County, IL

Horseradish Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18
Harvest September 7 Sep 7 – Nov 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
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

179 days in Fulton County

Growing Tips for Fulton 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 Fulton County, IL?

Fulton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Horseradish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fulton County, IL?

Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Horseradish in Fulton County, IL?

In Fulton County, IL, plant Horseradish after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fulton County, IL for Horseradish?

Fulton 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 Fulton County's climate?

Yes — Horseradish grows well in Fulton County's temperate climate. Fulton County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 16.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Fulton 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 Fulton County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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