When to plant Hyacinths in Massac County, IL
Plant Hyacinths in Massac County, when soil hits 50°F — usually mid-spring. Continue planting through late spring for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 16 to September 30 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Hyacinths in Massac County, IL
Your June planting checklist for Massac County, Illinois
Welcome to June in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) fill the spring garden with an almost overwhelming fragrance — a single cluster of blooms can perfume an entire yard. Dense, upright spikes of waxy florets in shades of purple, pink, blue, white, and red emerge in mid-spring, bridging the gap between the first crocus and the tulip peak. Though bulbs bloom most spectacularly in their first year, established plantings continue to produce graceful, less-dense flower spikes for several years. Deer and rabbits avoid them due to toxic alkaloids.
Massac County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 778 feet, Massac County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Hyacinths during the growing season.
Massac County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Hyacinths Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Massac County
How your county's soil matches Hyacinths's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.0) overlaps with Hyacinths's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Massac County is excellent for Hyacinths — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Hyacinths will thrive.
How to Plant Hyacinths
Fall planting: Sow 5 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Hyacinths
Sow every 1.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 16.
Hyacinths Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Hyacinths
Hyacinths needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Hyacinths Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Massac County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Hyacinths Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Hyacinths Planting Timeline — Massac County, IL
Hyacinths Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Fall Sowing | September 16 | Sep 16 – Sep 30 |
Plant 6" deep · 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
14–28 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Massac County
Growing Tips for Hyacinths in Massac County
Direct sow Hyacinths outdoors after April 07 in Massac County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 197.0-day season in Massac County allows multiple plantings of Hyacinths. Sow every 7.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
Plant bulbs 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart in fall, when soil drops below 60°F. Wear gloves when handling — bulb sap causes contact dermatitis in some people. After bloom, deadhead the spent spike but leave the strap-like foliage until it yellows naturally. For naturalizing, plant at 6–8 inch spacings and allow clumps to mature undisturbed. In zones 7b–9b, treat bulbs as annuals or use pre-chilled stock; performance after year 1 declines in warm-winter zones. For forcing indoors, chill bulbs 10–12 weeks then bring into warmth.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Hyacinths in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hyacinths in Massac County, IL?
Massac County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Hyacinths planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Massac County, IL?
Massac County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Hyacinths in Massac County, IL?
In Massac County, IL, plant Hyacinths after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Massac County, IL for Hyacinths?
Massac County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Hyacinths grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Hyacinths grow in Massac County's climate?
Yes — Hyacinths grows well in Massac County's temperate climate. Massac County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 21.
Your Massac County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Massac 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.