FrostCal

When to Plant Marigolds in Wisconsin

In a typical Wisconsin location, start seeds indoors Mar 19 – Apr 2, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Kenosha and as late as May 18 in Merrill.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 45–60 days

Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Marigolds Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
MilwaukeeMar 15 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10
MadisonMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
Green BayMar 26 – Apr 9May 14 – May 21
KenoshaMar 8 – Mar 22Apr 26 – May 3
RacineMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 27 – May 4
AppletonMar 23 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18
WaukeshaMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
Eau ClaireMar 13 – Mar 27May 1 – May 8
OshkoshMar 13 – Mar 27May 1 – May 8
JanesvilleMar 15 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10
West AllisMar 15 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10
La CrosseMar 16 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
North La CrosseMar 12 – Mar 26Apr 30 – May 7
SheboyganMar 14 – Mar 28May 2 – May 9
WauwatosaMar 15 – Mar 29May 3 – May 10
Fond du LacMar 16 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
New BerlinMar 22 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
WausauMar 25 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
BrookfieldMar 19 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
GreenfieldMar 22 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
BeloitMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
FranklinMar 22 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
Menomonee FallsMar 25 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
Oak CreekMar 11 – Mar 25Apr 29 – May 6
ManitowocMar 19 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
Sun PrairieMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
West BendMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
FitchburgMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
Stevens PointMar 23 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18
SuperiorMar 25 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20

Showing the 30 most populous of 96 Wisconsin cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Wisconsin cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant marigolds in Wisconsin?

In a typical Wisconsin location, start seeds indoors Mar 19 – Apr 2, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Kenosha and as late as May 18 in Merrill.

When is the last frost in Wisconsin?

The average last spring frost in Wisconsin ranges from April 19 in Kenosha to May 11 in Merrill, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do marigolds take to grow?

Marigolds typically take 45–60 days from planting to harvest. Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Other Crops in Wisconsin

When to plant marigolds in other states

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