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When to plant Geraniums in Tazewell County, IL

Tazewell County's short 179-day growing season means one Geraniums planting between April 26 and May 10. No fall crop in Zone 6a.

When to Plant Geraniums in Tazewell County, IL

Geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) are tender perennials grown as warm-season annuals throughout North America. Prized for their bold flower clusters, long bloom period, and tolerance of summer heat when planted in well-drained soil, they anchor window boxes, containers, and bed borders from late spring until hard frost. Zones 9b–11b can overwinter plants in the ground.

Tazewell County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 1,006 feet, Tazewell County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Geraniums during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Tazewell County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Tazewell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Geraniums Planting Timeline — Tazewell County, IL

Geraniums Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 8 Feb 8 – Feb 22
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 – May 10
Bloom July 5 Jul 5 – Oct 4

Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

179 days in Tazewell County

Growing Tips for Tazewell County

Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — germination is slow and erratic without bottom heat (70–75°F). Transplant after frost danger passes. Geraniums rarely direct-sown; cuttings or transplants are the standard. Deadhead spent umbels weekly to maintain continuous bloom. Let soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In zones 10–11 plants may be left in ground year-round or overwintered as houseplants.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Geraniums in Tazewell County, IL?

Tazewell County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Geraniums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tazewell County, IL?

Tazewell County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 15.

When should I plant Geraniums in Tazewell County, IL?

In Tazewell County, IL, plant Geraniums after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Tazewell County, IL for Geraniums?

Tazewell County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Geraniums grow in Tazewell County's climate?

Yes — Geraniums grows well in Tazewell County's temperate climate. Tazewell County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 15.

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Your Tazewell County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Tazewell 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.

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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 Tazewell County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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