When to plant Hyacinths in Stark County, IL
Plant Hyacinths in Stark County after April 21; the prime window is mid-spring–late spring. A second sowing from August 31 to September 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Hyacinths in Stark County, IL
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) fill the spring garden with an almost overwhelming fragrance — a single cluster of blooms can perfume an entire yard. Dense, upright spikes of waxy florets in shades of purple, pink, blue, white, and red emerge in mid-spring, bridging the gap between the first crocus and the tulip peak. Though bulbs bloom most spectacularly in their first year, established plantings continue to produce graceful, less-dense flower spikes for several years. Deer and rabbits avoid them due to toxic alkaloids.
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 Hyacinths to ensure they mature before fall.
Stark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Hyacinths Planting Timeline — Stark County, IL
Hyacinths Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | August 10 | Aug 10 – Sep 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 31 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
Plant 6" deep · 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| September | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
14–28 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Stark County
Growing Tips for Stark County
Plant bulbs 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart in fall, when soil drops below 60°F. Wear gloves when handling — bulb sap causes contact dermatitis in some people. After bloom, deadhead the spent spike but leave the strap-like foliage until it yellows naturally. For naturalizing, plant at 6–8 inch spacings and allow clumps to mature undisturbed. In zones 7b–9b, treat bulbs as annuals or use pre-chilled stock; performance after year 1 declines in warm-winter zones. For forcing indoors, chill bulbs 10–12 weeks then bring into warmth.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Hyacinths in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hyacinths in Stark County, IL?
Stark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Hyacinths 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 Hyacinths in Stark County, IL?
In Stark County, IL, plant Hyacinths 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 Hyacinths?
Stark County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Hyacinths grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Hyacinths grow in Stark County's climate?
Yes — Hyacinths 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.