Frost Dates for Chicago, IL 60626
Last spring frost April 25 · First fall frost October 15 · 173 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 60626 has about 49,700 people, one of 56 ZIP codes in Chicago.
Moderate season: 173 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 10–May 10 (30 days). Fall frost risk spans September 28–November 1 (34 days).
Frost probability for 60626
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 10 | April 25 | April 10 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 28 | October 15 | November 1 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CHICAGO O'HARE AP (22.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 173-day season in Chicago
In Chicago (173 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 21 | May 9–May 16 | 131 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 131 available after May 9. | Jun 15 |
| Pepper | Mar 14 | May 9–May 16 | 131 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 131 available after May 9. | Jun 20 |
| Lettuce | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 208 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 24 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 215 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 4. | Aug 13 |
| Cucumber | Apr 4 | May 9–May 16 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 19 |
| Beans | — | May 2–May 16 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
| Peas | — | Feb 28–May 9 | 236 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 236 available after Feb 28. | Aug 4 |
| Zucchini | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 24 |
| Onion | Jan 31 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 208 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 208 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 28–Apr 18 | 250 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Nov 5. | Sep 12 |
| Kale | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 222 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 5. | Aug 28 |
| Broccoli | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 208 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 208 available after Mar 28. | Jul 20 |
| Cabbage | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 222 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 222 available after Mar 28. | Aug 13 |
| Radish | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 236 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Oct 22. | Sep 13 |
| Beets | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 236 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 14 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 194 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 194 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 15 | 278 | overwinter: Plant Oct 15 to Nov 5; harvest the following summer. | Nov 5 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 21–May 16 | 229 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 21; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 28 | May 2–May 9 | 145 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 145 available after May 2. | Jun 27 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 11 | May 9–May 9 | 138 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 138 available after May 9. | Jun 2 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 14 | Apr 18–May 2 | 187 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 18. | Jul 25 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 28 | Apr 11–Apr 11 | 194 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 14 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 250 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Nov 5. | Sep 12 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 222 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 222 available after Mar 28. | Jul 14 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 138 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 138 available after May 9. | Jun 2 |
| Eggplant | Mar 7 | May 9–May 16 | 131 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 131 available after May 9. | Jun 25 |
| Okra | Mar 28 | May 2–May 9 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 24 |
| Basil | Mar 21 | May 16–May 16 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 16 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 19 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 28–Apr 18 | 208 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 19 |
| Parsley | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 173 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 173 available after May 2. | Jul 30 |
| Celery | Feb 14 | May 2–May 16 | 173 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 173 available after May 2. | Jun 10 |
| Scallions | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 222 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Nov 5. | Aug 23 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 222 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 5. | Sep 2 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 236 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 5. | Aug 28 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 28 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 24 |
| Collards | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 222 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Nov 5. | Aug 23 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 131 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 131 available after May 9. | Jun 10 |
| Chives | Jan 31 | May 2–May 9 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after May 2. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 28–May 23 | 236 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 14 |
| Oregano | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 187 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 187 available after May 2. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 31 | May 2–May 9 | 173 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 173 available after May 2. | — |
| Sage | Feb 28 | May 2–May 9 | 187 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 187 available after May 2. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 14 | May 2–May 9 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after May 2. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 194 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 19 |
| Cosmos | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 9 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 19 |
| Lavender | Jan 31 | Apr 25–May 9 | 194 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 194 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 14 | Apr 25–May 2 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 29 |
| Melons | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 131 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 131 available after May 9. | Jun 10 |
| Mint | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 194 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 194 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 24 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 2–May 16 | 152 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 152 available after May 2. | Jul 14 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 138 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 138 available after May 9. | Jun 12 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 159 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 25. | Jul 9 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 28 | May 2–May 9 | 138 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 138 available after May 2. | Jun 20 |
| Watermelon | Apr 11 | May 2–May 9 | 138 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 138 available after May 2. | Jun 15 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 11 | May 9–May 16 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 24 |
| Zinnias | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 9 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 19 |
Month by month in Chicago
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 31), Lavender (Jan 31), Onion (Jan 31), Rosemary (Jan 31). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 14), Collards (Feb 14), Kale (Feb 14), Oregano (Feb 14), Parsley (Feb 14), Scallions (Feb 14), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 28), Beets (Feb 28), Dill (Feb 28), Peas (Feb 28), Radish (Feb 28), Spinach (Feb 28). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 7), Calendula (Mar 14), Cauliflower (Mar 14), Marigolds (Mar 14), Pepper (Mar 14), Basil (Mar 21), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 14), Cilantro (Mar 28), Turnip (Mar 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 28), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 28), Cabbage (Mar 28), Collards (Mar 28), Kale (Mar 28), Lettuce (Mar 28), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 21). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 4), Butternut Squash (Apr 11), Cantaloupe (Apr 11), Melons (Apr 11), Pumpkin (Apr 11), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 11), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 4), Potatoes (Apr 11), Sunflowers (Apr 25). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 11), Swiss Chard (Apr 11), Bok Choy (Apr 18), Cauliflower (Apr 18), Cosmos (Apr 25), Lavender (Apr 25), +4 more. Last frost around April 25. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 2), Pole Beans (May 2). Transplant from: Celery (May 2), Chives (May 2), Corn (May 2), Okra (May 2), Oregano (May 2), Parsley (May 2), +17 more. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 2), Pumpkin (Jun 2), Cantaloupe (Jun 10), Celery (Jun 10), Melons (Jun 10), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 12), +6 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 9), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 14), Pole Beans (Jul 14), Basil (Jul 19), Cosmos (Jul 19), Cucumber (Jul 19), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 4), Cabbage (Aug 13), Carrots (Aug 13), Beets (Aug 14), Dill (Aug 14), Swiss Chard (Aug 14), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Sep 2), Arugula (Sep 12), Spinach (Sep 12), Radish (Sep 13). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 15). First frost around October 15. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 5). |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Chicago, IL (ZIP 60626)?
The median last spring frost date for Chicago, IL (ZIP code 60626) is around April 25. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 10; one in ten it runs past May 10.
What is the first fall frost date in Chicago, IL?
The median first fall frost date for Chicago, IL is around October 15. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 28 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Chicago, IL?
The frost-free growing season in Chicago is about 173 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Chicago (173 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Chicago, IL?
Chicago, IL is in USDA hardiness zone 6a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Chicago, IL?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 21 and plant out May 9 in Chicago. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Chicago?
Two: plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 22.
When do I plant garlic in Chicago?
Oct 15 to Nov 5; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Nearby and related
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