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When to Plant Ageratum in Wisconsin

Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), the floss flower, produces clusters of fluffy, powder-puff blooms in the rare sky-blue and lavender tones difficult to find among warm-season annuals. Compact mounding habit makes it ideal as a front-of-border edging plant. Blooms from early summer through fall with minimal deadheading; heat and humidity tolerant once established.

Wisconsin spans USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Ageratum planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Ageratum Planting Calendar for Wisconsin

Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 – May 27
Direct Sow May 13 May 13 – Jun 3
Bloom July 8 Jul 8 – Sep 16
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Bloom July 3 Jul 3 – Sep 18
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 21
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow May 2 May 2 – May 23
Bloom June 27 Jun 27 – Sep 19
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Bloom June 20 Jun 20 – Sep 19
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Bloom June 5 Jun 5 – Sep 11

Growing Tips for Wisconsin

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost — do not cover seed; it needs light to germinate. Can be direct-sown after last frost once soil warms to 60°F. Transplant or thin to proper spacing after frost danger passes. Deadheading isn't strictly required but tidying spent clusters improves appearance. Provide consistent moisture; drought causes premature setting. Avoid deep shade — blooms best in full sun to light afternoon shade.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ageratum in Wisconsin?

Planting dates for Ageratum in Wisconsin depend on your USDA zone. Wisconsin spans zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Wisconsin for planting?

Wisconsin contains USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: June 2026.