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When to Plant Echinacea in Waushara County, WI

Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a native prairie perennial valued for its immune-supporting properties and beautiful daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators.

Waushara County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 560 feet, Waushara County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Echinacea to ensure they mature before fall.

Waushara County, WI (Zone 4b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Waushara County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (8 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Sep 5 – Sep 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (8 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Sep 10 – Oct 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (8 days to spare)
Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Sep 28 – Oct 19

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Echinacea needs ~1,612 GDD — county provides 1,741 GDD Good fit

Echinacea Planting Timeline โ€” Waushara County, WI

Echinacea Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 21
Harvest September 10 Sep 10 โ€“ Oct 1

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 4b

Growing Season

162 days

Growing Tips for Waushara 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Echinacea in Waushara County, WI?

Waushara County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Echinacea planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Waushara County, WI?

Waushara County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Waushara County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Waushara County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.