When to Plant Echinacea in Dodge County, WI
Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a native prairie perennial valued for its immune-supporting properties and beautiful daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators.
Dodge County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 1,235 feet, Dodge County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Echinacea to ensure they mature before fall.
Dodge County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Echinacea Planting Timeline — Dodge County, WI
Echinacea Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Harvest | September 7 | Sep 7 – Sep 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
120–180 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
167 days
Growing Tips for Dodge County
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost or direct sow in fall for spring germination. Seeds need cold stratification. Deadhead to prolong blooming or leave seed heads for birds.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Echinacea in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Echinacea in Dodge County, WI?
Dodge County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Echinacea planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dodge County, WI?
Dodge County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Dodge County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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