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When to plant Quince in Macon County, IL

Macon County sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Quince May 4–May 18 for the single annual harvest; the October 19 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Quince in Macon County, IL

Quince is a small ornamental tree producing fragrant, golden fruits that are too hard and astringent to eat raw but transform into a beautiful rose-colored paste when cooked.

Macon County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 1,064 feet, Macon County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Quince during the growing season.

Macon County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Macon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Quince Planting Timeline — Macon County, IL

Quince Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

189 days in Macon County

Growing Tips for Macon County

Plant in well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered location. Quince is self-fertile. Harvest after frost when fruit is golden and fragrant. Fire blight can be an issue; choose resistant varieties.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Quince in Macon County, IL?

Macon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Quince planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macon County, IL?

Macon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 19.

When should I plant Quince in Macon County, IL?

In Macon County, IL, plant Quince after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Macon County, IL for Quince?

Macon County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Quince grows reliably in zones 5a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Quince grow in Macon County's climate?

Yes — Quince grows well in Macon County's temperate climate. Macon County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 19.

🌱

Your Macon County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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