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When to plant Roses in Monroe County County,

In Monroe County County, Roses is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 21–May 5 for an 180-day harvest, finishing well before the October 24 first frost.

When to Plant Roses in Monroe County, IL

Roses (Rosa spp.) are the world's most beloved flowering shrubs, grown for centuries for their exquisite blooms, fragrance, and versatility. Modern repeat-blooming cultivars deliver continuous color from late spring through the first hard frost, while old garden roses typically offer a single magnificent spring flush. Hardy shrub roses such as the Knock Out® and Canadian Explorer series tolerate Zone 3–4 winters without protection. With correct siting (6+ hours of sun, good air circulation), disease- resistant varieties thrive with moderate maintenance.

Monroe County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Roses during the growing season.

Perennial Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting Fragrant
Monroe County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24
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Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Roses Planting Timeline — Monroe County, IL

Roses Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 – May 5
Bloom June 30 Jun 30 – Nov 3

Plant 1" deep · 36" apart · Rows 48" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November Bloom
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–180 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

193 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Monroe County

Plant bare-root roses in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or set container-grown plants from spring through early fall. Dig a wide, deep hole; amend with compost and a handful of bone meal. Set the graft union 1–2 inches below soil level in Zones 3–6 for winter protection, at soil level in Zones 7+. Water deeply twice weekly until established. Fertilize with a balanced rose food every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Prune hybrid teas and grandifloras to outward-facing buds in early spring when forsythia blooms. Deadhead to encourage repeat bloom. Fall planting (Zones 5+) can improve establishment in subsequent years. Year 2+ plants deliver the fullest bloom display.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel
  • Brassicas

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Roses in Monroe County, IL?

Monroe County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Roses planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, IL?

Monroe County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Roses in Monroe County County, ?

In Monroe County County, , plant Roses after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Monroe County County, for Roses?

Monroe County County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Roses grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Roses grow in Monroe County County's climate?

Yes — Roses grows well in Monroe County County's temperate climate. Monroe County County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 24.

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Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe 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.

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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 Monroe County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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