What to Plant in Illinois
Your complete gardening guide for Illinois (USDA Zones 5–7, typically Zone 6). Browse 1841 varieties across 28 categories — covering every zone in the state.
Last Frost
April 1 – April 30
By zone (7 → 5)
First Frost
October 5 – October 30
By zone (5 → 7)
Growing Season
155–210 days
Shortest → longest
Varieties
1841
across 28 categories
Growing Season
Plant after April 15 · Harvest before October 15
Illinois · Zones 5–7
All Zone 6 plants →Illinois spans Zones 5–7. The timeline above shows typical Zone 6 dates — your specific zone may vary by elevation and microclimate.
Best Crops for Illinois
1,841 varieties across 28 categories
Alliums
44 varieties for Illinois
Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives.
Beans & Legumes
84 varieties for Illinois
Bush beans, pole beans, lentils, and more. Easy-to-grow protein for every garden.
Berries & Fruits
37 varieties for Illinois
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and small fruits for the home garden.
Brassicas
79 varieties for Illinois
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi.
Corn
32 varieties for Illinois
Sweet corn, popcorn, flour corn, and ornamental varieties.
Cucumbers
31 varieties for Illinois
Slicing, pickling, and specialty cucumbers for every garden size.
Eggplants
29 varieties for Illinois
Globe, Japanese, Thai, and specialty eggplant varieties.
Flowers
523 varieties for Illinois
Annual, perennial, and cut flowers to beautify your garden year-round.
Fruit Trees
30 varieties for Illinois
Apple, pear, cherry, peach, and citrus trees for the home orchard.
Grasses & Bamboo
34 varieties for Illinois
Ornamental grasses, lawn grasses, and bamboo varieties for structure and movement.
Ground Covers
24 varieties for Illinois
Low-growing plants that spread to cover soil, reduce weeds, and prevent erosion.
Herbs
84 varieties for Illinois
Culinary and medicinal herbs. Growing guides from basil to thyme.
Lettuce & Salad Greens
110 varieties for Illinois
Romaine, butterhead, looseleaf, and specialty salad greens for every season.
Melons
38 varieties for Illinois
Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and specialty melons.
Microgreens
57 varieties for Illinois
Nutrient-dense seedlings harvested in 7-14 days. The fastest crop you can grow.
Native Wildflowers
88 varieties for Illinois
Region-native wildflowers that support pollinators and require minimal maintenance.
Nut Trees
23 varieties for Illinois
Pecan, walnut, almond, hazelnut, and chestnut trees for home orchards.
Ornamental Trees
34 varieties for Illinois
Flowering and decorative trees for landscaping. Dogwoods, magnolias, Japanese maples, and more.
Peas
35 varieties for Illinois
Snap peas, snow peas, shelling peas, and pea shoots.
Peppers
73 varieties for Illinois
Hot peppers, sweet peppers, and everything in between. Find your perfect heat level.
Root Vegetables
56 varieties for Illinois
Carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, and other underground crops.
Roses
55 varieties for Illinois
Hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, shrub roses, and old garden varieties.
Shade Trees
34 varieties for Illinois
Large canopy trees for shade, privacy, and property value. Oaks, maples, elms, and more.
Shrubs & Hedges
47 varieties for Illinois
Flowering and evergreen shrubs for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings.
Squash & Cucumbers
60 varieties for Illinois
Summer squash, winter squash, zucchini, and cucumbers.
Tomatoes
90 varieties for Illinois
From heirloom beefsteaks to cherry varieties. Growing guides for every tomato type.
Tropical Plants
2 varieties for Illinois
Exotic tropical plants including palms, gingers, hibiscus, and bird of paradise.
Vines & Climbers
8 varieties for Illinois
Climbing plants for trellises, arbors, and walls. Clematis, wisteria, jasmine, and more.