When to Plant Strawberries in Vermilion County, IL
Strawberries are a beloved perennial fruit available as June-bearing, ever-bearing, and day-neutral types. They are one of the easiest fruits to grow in containers or garden beds.
Vermilion County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Vermilion County receives approximately 31.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season.
Vermilion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Strawberries Planting Timeline — Vermilion County, IL
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Oct 20 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–365 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 6.8
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
185 days
Growing Tips for Vermilion County
Plant with crowns at soil level. Remove runners the first year to strengthen plants. Mulch with straw to keep fruit clean and suppress weeds. Renovate June-bearing beds after harvest.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Strawberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Strawberries in Vermilion County, IL?
Vermilion County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Vermilion County, IL?
Vermilion County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Vermilion County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.