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When to plant Serviceberries in Marion County, IL

Marion County's 192-day season only supports one Serviceberries planting per year. Sow between May 1 and May 15 for the best chance at full maturity before October 19.

When to Plant Serviceberries in Marion County, IL

Serviceberries (saskatoons) are attractive native shrubs or small trees producing sweet, blueberry-like fruits. They have beautiful spring flowers and vibrant fall color.

Marion County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 964 feet, Marion County receives approximately 40.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Serviceberries during the growing season.

Marion County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Marion County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Serviceberries Planting Timeline — Marion County, IL

Serviceberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 – May 15

· 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

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

192 days in Marion County

Growing Tips for Marion County

Plant in well-drained soil. Minimal pruning needed beyond removing dead wood. Protect fruit from birds with netting. Berries ripen in early summer and are excellent fresh or in pies.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Serviceberries in Marion County, IL?

Marion County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Serviceberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marion County, IL?

Marion County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 19.

When should I plant Serviceberries in Marion County, IL?

In Marion County, IL, plant Serviceberries after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Marion County, IL for Serviceberries?

Marion County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Serviceberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Serviceberries grow in Marion County's climate?

Yes — Serviceberries grows well in Marion County's temperate climate. Marion County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 19.

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Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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