Wausau, WI planting zone & frost dates
Wausau is in USDA hardiness zone 4b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 6 and the first fall frost around October 4, for a growing season of about 150 days.
Planting calendar for Wausau
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 6) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 11 – Mar 25 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 9 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 4).
Useful for zone 4b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 24 | May 6 | May 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 18 | Oct 4 | Sep 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 26.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Wausau
- 54401 zone 4b
- 54402 zone 5a
- 54403 zone 4b
Nearby cities
- Weston zone 4b, last frost May 6
- Stevens Point zone 5a, last frost May 4
- Plover zone 4b, last frost May 4
- Wisconsin Rapids zone 4b, last frost May 9
- Marshfield zone 4b, last frost May 5
- Neenah zone 5b, last frost May 4
- Appleton zone 5b, last frost May 4
- Menasha zone 5b, last frost May 4
Questions
What growing zone is Wausau, WI?
Wausau is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4b (average extreme winter low -25°F to -20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 5a.
When is the last frost in Wausau?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Wausau is May 6. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Wausau?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 13 – May 20. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Wausau Dwtn Ap, WI (USW00014897), 3.7 km (2.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 360 m, based on 29 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.