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When to plant Lingonberries in Saline County, IL

Saline County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Lingonberries April 29–May 13 for the single annual harvest; the October 24 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Lingonberries in Saline County, IL

Lingonberries are low-growing evergreen shrubs producing small, tart red berries used in Scandinavian cuisine. They thrive in acidic soil and cold climates.

Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 748 feet, Saline County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lingonberries during the growing season.

Saline County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Saline County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lingonberries

Lingonberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lingonberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Saline County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lingonberries Planting Timeline — Saline County, IL

Lingonberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13

· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1095 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 4.5–5.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

199 days in Saline County

Growing Tips for Saline County

Amend soil with peat and pine needle mulch for acidity. Plant 12 inches apart as a ground cover. Berries ripen in late summer. Requires minimal pruning.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lingonberries in Saline County, IL?

Saline County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Lingonberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Saline County, IL?

Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Lingonberries in Saline County, IL?

In Saline County, IL, plant Lingonberries after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Saline County, IL for Lingonberries?

Saline County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Lingonberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lingonberries grow in Saline County's climate?

Yes — Lingonberries grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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