When to plant Cranberries in Jackson County, IL
Plant Cranberries in Jackson County, between May 1 and May 15 — the only viable window. Zone 7a's short season (194 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Cranberries in Jackson County, IL
Cranberries are low-growing, vine-like shrubs that produce tart red berries in fall. They grow in acidic, boggy conditions and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.
Jackson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,046 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Jackson County, IL
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 4–5.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Jackson County
Growing Tips for Jackson County
Create an acidic, consistently moist bed with peat moss. Cranberries do not need to be flooded to grow; flooding is only used for commercial harvesting. Mulch with sand in early spring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cranberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cranberries in Jackson County, IL?
Jackson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, IL?
Jackson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Cranberries in Jackson County, IL?
In Jackson County, IL, plant Cranberries after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jackson County, IL for Cranberries?
Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Cranberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cranberries grow in Jackson County's climate?
Yes — Cranberries grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.
Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.