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When to plant Lingonberries in Jefferson County, IL

In Jefferson County, Lingonberries is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 30–May 14 for an 730–1095-day harvest, finishing well before the October 20 first frost.

When to Plant Lingonberries in Jefferson County, IL

Lingonberries are low-growing evergreen shrubs producing small, tart red berries used in Scandinavian cuisine. They thrive in acidic soil and cold climates.

Jefferson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 509 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lingonberries during the growing season.

Jefferson County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Jefferson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lingonberries

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

Month Lingonberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lingonberries Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, IL

Lingonberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 4.5–5.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Jefferson County

Growing Tips for Jefferson County

Amend soil with peat and pine needle mulch for acidity. Plant 12 inches apart as a ground cover. Berries ripen in late summer. Requires minimal pruning.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lingonberries in Jefferson County, IL?

Jefferson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Lingonberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, IL?

Jefferson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Lingonberries in Jefferson County, IL?

In Jefferson County, IL, plant Lingonberries after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jefferson County, IL for Lingonberries?

Jefferson County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Lingonberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lingonberries grow in Jefferson County's climate?

Yes — Lingonberries grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.

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Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 6b). 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 Jefferson County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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