When to plant Pansy in Sutter, IL
Plant Pansy in Sutter, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 14. Continue planting through April 28 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 23 to September 6 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Pansy in Sutter, IL
Your July planting checklist for Hancock County, Illinois
July is a pivotal month for Hancock County, Illinois gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick pansy
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Get ahead of August
- First harvests: pansy
- Fall sowing: pansy
Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana) are beloved cool-season annuals offering some of the widest color range in the annual garden. Their cheerful "faces" appear in early spring — or even late winter in mild climates — and hold up remarkably well through frosts. Heat causes them to go leggy and stop blooming; replace with warm-season annuals once daytime temps exceed 70°F.
Sutter, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 758 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 37.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Pansy during the growing season.
Sutter Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Pansy 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 Sutter
How your county's soil matches Pansy's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) is more alkaline than Pansy prefers (5.4–6.2). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hancock County is excellent for Pansy — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Pansy.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Pansy will thrive.
How to Plant Pansy
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Pansy
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 23.
Pansy Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Pansy
Pansy needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Pansy Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hancock County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pansy 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.
Pansy Planting Timeline — Sutter, IL
Pansy Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Bloom | June 9 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 7" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.4–6.2 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Hancock County
Growing Tips for Pansy in Sutter
Direct sow Pansy outdoors after April 14 in Hancock County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost for spring transplants. In zones 6+, fall planting (8-10 weeks before first frost) gives overwintering plants that bloom earliest in spring. Plant in full sun in cool weather; afternoon shade helps extend bloom in zones 7-8. Deadhead to prevent premature seed set. Shear back by one-third when plants go leggy to extend the season.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pansy in Other Locations
When should I plant Pansy in Sutter, IL?
In Sutter, IL, plant Pansy after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sutter, IL for Pansy?
Sutter sits in USDA Zone 6a. Pansy grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Pansy grow in Sutter's climate?
Yes — Pansy grows well in Sutter's temperate climate. Sutter averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 18.
Your Hancock County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hancock 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.