Frost Dates for Geneseo, IL 61254
Last spring frost April 18 · First fall frost October 13 · 178 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5b
ZIP 61254 has about 12,100 people.
Moderate season: 178 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 3–May 4 (31 days). Fall frost risk spans September 28–October 29 (31 days).
Frost probability for 61254
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 4 | April 18 | April 3 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 28 | October 13 | October 29 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at GENESEO (1.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 178-day season in Geneseo
In Geneseo (178 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 14 | May 2–May 9 | 136 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 136 available after May 2. | Jun 13 |
| Pepper | Mar 7 | May 2–May 9 | 136 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 136 available after May 2. | Jun 18 |
| Lettuce | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 22 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 220 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 220 available after Mar 28. | Aug 11 |
| Cucumber | Mar 28 | May 2–May 9 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Beans | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Peas | — | Feb 21–May 2 | 241 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 241 available after Feb 21. | Aug 2 |
| Zucchini | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Onion | Jan 24 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 213 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 213 available after Mar 21. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 21–Apr 11 | 255 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 3. | Sep 10 |
| Kale | Feb 7 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Broccoli | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 213 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 213 available after Mar 21. | Jul 18 |
| Cabbage | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 227 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 227 available after Mar 21. | Aug 11 |
| Radish | — | Feb 21–May 16 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Oct 20. | Sep 11 |
| Beets | — | Feb 21–May 16 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 199 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 4. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 13 | 283 | overwinter: Plant Oct 13 to Nov 3; harvest the following summer. | Nov 3 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 14–May 9 | 234 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 14; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 150 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 25. | Jun 25 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 4 | May 2–May 2 | 143 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 143 available after May 2. | May 31 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 7 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 192 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 11. | Jul 23 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 21 | Apr 4–Apr 4 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 21–May 16 | 255 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 3. | Sep 10 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 21 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 227 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 227 available after Mar 21. | Jul 12 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 143 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 143 available after May 2. | May 31 |
| Eggplant | Feb 28 | May 2–May 9 | 136 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 136 available after May 2. | Jun 23 |
| Okra | Mar 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Basil | Mar 14 | May 9–May 9 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 21–Apr 11 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 17 |
| Parsley | Feb 7 | Apr 25–May 2 | 178 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 25. | Jul 28 |
| Celery | Feb 7 | Apr 25–May 9 | 178 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 25. | Jun 8 |
| Scallions | Feb 7 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 31 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 7–Mar 21 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 7 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 26 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 21 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 22 |
| Collards | Feb 7 | Mar 21–Apr 4 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Nov 3. | Aug 21 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 136 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 136 available after May 2. | Jun 8 |
| Chives | Jan 24 | Apr 25–May 2 | 192 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 21–May 16 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 21 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 12 |
| Oregano | Feb 7 | Apr 25–May 2 | 192 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 24 | Apr 25–May 2 | 178 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Sage | Feb 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 192 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 7 | Apr 25–May 2 | 192 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 25. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 7 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 20. | Aug 17 |
| Cosmos | Mar 21 | Apr 18–May 2 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Lavender | Jan 24 | Apr 18–May 2 | 199 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 7 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 27 |
| Melons | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 136 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 136 available after May 2. | Jun 8 |
| Mint | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 199 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 21 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 25–May 9 | 157 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 25. | Jul 12 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 143 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 143 available after May 2. | Jun 10 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 164 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 18. | Jul 7 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 143 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 143 available after Apr 25. | Jun 18 |
| Watermelon | Apr 4 | Apr 25–May 2 | 143 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 143 available after Apr 25. | Jun 13 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 4 | May 2–May 9 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 22 |
| Zinnias | Mar 21 | Apr 18–May 2 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
Month by month in Geneseo
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 24), Lavender (Jan 24), Onion (Jan 24), Rosemary (Jan 24). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 7), Collards (Feb 7), Kale (Feb 7), Oregano (Feb 7), Parsley (Feb 7), Scallions (Feb 7), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 21), Beets (Feb 21), Dill (Feb 21), Peas (Feb 21), Radish (Feb 21), Spinach (Feb 21). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 7), Cauliflower (Mar 7), Marigolds (Mar 7), Pepper (Mar 7), Basil (Mar 14), Tomato (Mar 14), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 7), Cilantro (Mar 21), Turnip (Mar 21), Carrots (Mar 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 21), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 21), Cabbage (Mar 21), Collards (Mar 21), Kale (Mar 21), Lettuce (Mar 21), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 14). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 4), Cantaloupe (Apr 4), Melons (Apr 4), Pumpkin (Apr 4), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 4), Watermelon (Apr 4), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 4), Sunflowers (Apr 18), Beans (Apr 25), Pole Beans (Apr 25). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 4), Swiss Chard (Apr 4), Bok Choy (Apr 11), Cauliflower (Apr 11), Cosmos (Apr 18), Lavender (Apr 18), +15 more. Last frost around April 18. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 2), Cantaloupe (May 2), Cucumber (May 2), Eggplant (May 2), Melons (May 2), Pepper (May 2), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 31), Pumpkin (May 31). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 8), Celery (Jun 8), Melons (Jun 8), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 10), Tomato (Jun 13), Watermelon (Jun 13), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 7), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 12), Pole Beans (Jul 12), Basil (Jul 17), Cosmos (Jul 17), Cucumber (Jul 17), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 2), Cabbage (Aug 11), Carrots (Aug 11), Beets (Aug 12), Dill (Aug 12), Swiss Chard (Aug 12), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 10), Spinach (Sep 10), Radish (Sep 11). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 13). First frost around October 13. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 3). |
| 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 Geneseo, IL (ZIP 61254)?
The median last spring frost date for Geneseo, IL (ZIP code 61254) is around April 18. 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 3; one in ten it runs past May 4.
What is the first fall frost date in Geneseo, IL?
The median first fall frost date for Geneseo, IL is around October 13. 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 Geneseo, IL?
The frost-free growing season in Geneseo is about 178 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 Geneseo (178 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 Geneseo, IL?
Geneseo, IL is in USDA hardiness zone 5b (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 Geneseo, IL?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 14 and plant out May 2 in Geneseo. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Geneseo?
Two: plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 20.
When do I plant garlic in Geneseo?
Oct 13 to Nov 3; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for East Moline, IL 61244 (12.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Moline, IL 61265 (17.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Bettendorf, IA 52722 (17.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Kewanee, IL 61443 (18 mi)
- Frost dates for Rock Island, IL 61201 (21.8 mi)
- When to plant in IL
- When to plant Peppers in IL
- When to plant Cucumbers in IL
- When to plant Zucchini in IL
- When to plant Butternut Squash in IL
- When to plant Basil in IL
- When to plant Sweet Corn in IL
- Look up another ZIP