When to plant Cranberries in Winnebago County, IL
Plant Cranberries in Winnebago County, between May 17 and May 31 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (169 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Cranberries in Winnebago County, IL
Cranberries are low-growing, vine-like shrubs that produce tart red berries in fall. They grow in acidic, boggy conditions and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.
Winnebago County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 1,318 feet, Winnebago County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.
Winnebago County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Winnebago County, IL
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 4–5.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Winnebago County
Growing Tips for Winnebago County
Create an acidic, consistently moist bed with peat moss. Cranberries do not need to be flooded to grow; flooding is only used for commercial harvesting. Mulch with sand in early spring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cranberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cranberries in Winnebago County, IL?
Winnebago County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Winnebago County, IL?
Winnebago County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 12.
When should I plant Cranberries in Winnebago County, IL?
In Winnebago County, IL, plant Cranberries after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Winnebago County, IL for Cranberries?
Winnebago County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Cranberries grows reliably in zones 2a through 7b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cranberries grow in Winnebago County's climate?
Yes — Cranberries grows well in Winnebago County's temperate climate. Winnebago County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 12.
Your Winnebago County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Winnebago 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.