When to Plant Zucchini in Madison County, IL
Zucchini is an incredibly prolific summer squash that can produce an abundance of fruit from just a few plants. It is versatile in the kitchen from grilling to baking.
Madison County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 963 feet, Madison County receives approximately 36.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Zucchini during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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
Zucchini Planting Timeline — Madison County, IL
Zucchini Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Aug 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
45–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
194 days
Growing Tips for Madison County
Direct sow after last frost. Harvest when fruits are 6-8 inches long for best flavor and texture. Check plants daily in summer as fruits can double in size overnight.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Zucchini in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Zucchini in Madison County, IL?
Madison County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Zucchini planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, IL?
Madison County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Madison County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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