When to plant Fava Beans in Stark County, IL
Spring Fava Beans in Stark County goes in April 7–April 28, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 3 to August 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Fava Beans in Stark County, IL
Fava beans are a cool-season legume with large, meaty beans inside thick pods. They fix nitrogen in the soil and are one of the oldest cultivated crops.
Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,071 feet, Stark County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Stark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Stark County, IL
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Stark County
Growing Tips for Stark County
Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Pinch growing tips when pods begin to form to redirect energy and reduce aphid problems. Stake tall varieties.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Fava Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fava Beans in Stark County, IL?
Stark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stark County, IL?
Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 12.
When should I plant Fava Beans in Stark County, IL?
In Stark County, IL, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stark County, IL for Fava Beans?
Stark County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fava Beans grow in Stark County's climate?
Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Stark County's temperate climate. Stark County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 12.
Your Stark County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stark 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.