Best Plants For Sterling, IL

plants by zone map for Sterling, IL

A variety of plants are suitable for Sterling's climate. According to our data, the growing zone for the area is 5b, with average annual lows of -15 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Scroll down for a full list of the best plants for Sterling, IL based on our analysis of the region's climate.

If growing food is your aim, vegetables hardy to Sterling include beets, broccoli and brussels sprouts, while fruits like apples, apricots and blackberries will flourish.

For flower beds, go with choices like asters, black-eyed susans (rudbeckia) and bleeding heart (dicentra spectabilis) for the best results.

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.
Brass Watering Can

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.

Trees for Sterling

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
American Elm (Ulmus Americana)
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
White Ash (Fraxinus americana)
White Birch (Betula papyrifera)
White Oak (Quercus alba)
White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Fruits for Sterling

Apples
Apricots
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Concord grapes
Currants
Elderberries
Figs
Gooseberries
Hardy kiwi
Honeyberries
Mulberries.
Peaches
Pears
Plums
Quince
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.

Flowers for Sterling

Asters
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra Spectabilis)
Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Forsythia
Hardy Geraniums
Hostas
Hydrangeas
Iris
Lilacs (Syringa)
Marigolds (Tagetes)
Peonies (Paeonia)
Petunias
Rhododendrons
Roses (Rosa)
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum)
Sunflowers (Helianthus)
Tulips (Tulipa)
Zinnias

Vegetables for Sterling

Beets
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce
Onions
Peas
Pumpkins
Radishes
Spinach
Squash
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Turnips
Zucchini

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about plants for your area? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about what plants grow best in the Sterling, IL climate.

Some of the best vegetables for Sterling, IL include beets, broccoli and brussels sprouts. Other recommended vegetables include Cabbage, Carrots and Cauliflower based on Sterling's USDA hardiness zone.

Map of IL Hardiness Zones

plants by zone map for Sterling, ILChoose plants with your zone in mind

Choosing plants based on the growing zone for Sterling ensures that your plants will be able to survive the lowest annual temperatures in your area of Illinois.

Small Greenhouse Kit

Small Greenhouse Kit

Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
Metal Seed Storage Box

Metal Seed Storage Box

Organized storage solution for your seed collection.

Best Time to Plant in Sterling

Check the growing calendar for Sterling at the Old Farmer's Almanac to see the best planting times for the region.

Need Gardening Gear?

The Plant Guide Online has selected some of our favorite products to help you with your next growing project. From seed starting trays and fertilizers to decor and lifestyle items, we think you'll love what we've selected.

Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
Metal Arbor Trellis

Metal Arbor Trellis

Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.
Worm Composting Kit

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.
Brass Watering Can

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.

Sterling's Temperature

USDA Growing Zone: 5b

Zip Codes: 61081

Longitude: -89.6956

Latitude: 41.7996

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -15 to -10

The USDA growing zone is 5b in Sterling, IL. This is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive, helping to decide what plants would be suitable for the region's climate. According to our records, the average annual extreme minimum temperature in Sterling is -15 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. If you would like to learn more, visit our page on the growing zone for Sterling, IL.

Map of Sterling

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.
Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.
Seed Starting Trays

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
Metal Seed Storage Box

Metal Seed Storage Box

Organized storage solution for your seed collection.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.

All Towns In IL

Tools You'll Love

The Plant Guide Online has selected some of our favorite products to help you with your next growing project. From seed starting trays and fertilizers to decor and lifestyle items, we think you'll love what we've selected.

Seed Starting Trays

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Complete garden tool set with heavy-duty stainless steel tools for all your gardening needs.
Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.
Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.
Wooden Chicken Coop

Wooden Chicken Coop

Spacious and secure home for your backyard chickens.

Plants For Other States

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

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Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.
Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
Raised Garden Bed Kit

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.
Brass Watering Can

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.
Seed Starting Trays

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.

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