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When to plant Delicata Squash in Randolph County, IL

Plant Delicata Squash in Randolph County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 18. Continue planting through May 9 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Delicata Squash in Randolph County, IL

Delicata squash is a winter squash with an edible skin and sweet, creamy orange flesh. Its compact vines make it suitable for smaller gardens.

Randolph County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 501 feet, Randolph County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Delicata Squash during the growing season.

Randolph County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Randolph County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Delicata Squash Planting Timeline — Randolph County, IL

Delicata Squash Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 – May 9
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 – Aug 22

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

192 days in Randolph County

Growing Tips for Randolph County

Direct sow after last frost on mounds. Harvest when skin is hard and ivory with green stripes. The thin skin does not need peeling. Stores 2-3 months in a cool place.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Delicata Squash in Randolph County, IL?

Randolph County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Delicata Squash planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Randolph County, IL?

Randolph County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Delicata Squash in Randolph County, IL?

In Randolph County, IL, plant Delicata Squash after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Randolph County, IL for Delicata Squash?

Randolph County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Delicata Squash grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Delicata Squash grow in Randolph County's climate?

Yes — Delicata Squash grows well in Randolph County's temperate climate. Randolph County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Randolph County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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