Rhubarb Planting Dates in Central Illinois

Usual rhubarb planting periods in Central Illinois, shown as ranges with their source. Use them to frame a plan, then adjust for your own frost dates and soil temperature.

Rhubarb dates in Central Illinois
Activity	Window	Source	Last verified
Planting	March 25 to May 15, July 21 to Aug. 1	source	2026-11-11

Rhubarb calendar for Central Illinois
Item	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Planting			Planting window in March	Planting window in April	Planting window in May		Planting window in July	Planting window in August

What these dates mean in Central Illinois

Planting usually runs about 52 days, from Mar 25 to May 15.

That start date is about 7 days earlier than the middle of the 7 places in this data set that report rhubarb planting dates (Apr 1).

Frost-date caveat: these are published ranges for Central Illinois. A northern or high-elevation site will run later than a southern or low one, and a cold wet spring can push planting past the window. Planting dates are a general guide; frost dates and local conditions vary. Check your last spring frost and soil temperature, and confirm with your county extension office.

Rhubarb dates in other places

Other crops in Central Illinois

Last reviewed: November 2026. Source: Illinois Extension - When to Plant (Home Vegetable Gardening).