When to plant Boysenberries in Compton, IL
Compton's 175-day season only supports one Boysenberries planting per year. Sow between May 13 and May 27 for the best chance at full maturity before October 14.
When to Plant Boysenberries in Compton, IL
Boysenberries are a cross between raspberries, blackberries, and loganberries, producing large, dark, intensely flavored berries. They are excellent for jams and pies.
Compton, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 1,010 feet, Lee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Boysenberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Boysenberries
Boysenberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Boysenberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Boysenberries Planting Timeline — Compton, IL
Boysenberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
· 24" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Compton
Provide strong trellising for vigorous canes. Prune spent canes to ground after harvest. Mulch heavily to retain moisture. Protect from wind to prevent cane damage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Boysenberries in Other Locations
When should I plant Boysenberries in Compton, IL?
In Compton, IL, plant Boysenberries after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, IL for Boysenberries?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 5b. Boysenberries grows reliably in zones 5a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Boysenberries grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Boysenberries grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.