Frost Dates for Onalaska, WI 54650
Last spring frost April 27 · First fall frost October 8 · 164 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5a
ZIP 54650 has about 25,300 people.
Moderate season: 164 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 10–May 13 (33 days). Fall frost risk spans September 23–October 23 (30 days).
Frost probability for 54650
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 13 | April 27 | April 10 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 23 | October 8 | October 23 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at LA CROSSE MUNI AP (4.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 164-day season in Onalaska
In Onalaska (164 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 23 | May 11–May 18 | 122 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 122 available after May 11. | Jun 8 |
| Pepper | Mar 16 | May 11–May 18 | 122 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 122 available after May 11. | Jun 13 |
| Lettuce | Mar 2 | Mar 30–Apr 6 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 17 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 6–Apr 13 | 206 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 6. | Aug 6 |
| Cucumber | Apr 6 | May 11–May 18 | 136 | two-plantings: Plant May 11 and again by Jul 12; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 12 |
| Beans | — | May 4–May 18 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 19; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 19 |
| Peas | — | Mar 2–May 11 | 227 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 227 available after Mar 2. | Jul 28 |
| Zucchini | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 136 | two-plantings: Plant May 11 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Onion | Feb 2 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 199 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 199 available after Mar 30. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 2–Apr 20 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Oct 29. | Sep 5 |
| Kale | Feb 16 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Broccoli | Mar 2 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 199 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 199 available after Mar 30. | Jul 13 |
| Cabbage | Mar 2 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 213 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 213 available after Mar 30. | Aug 6 |
| Radish | — | Mar 2–May 25 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Oct 15. | Sep 6 |
| Beets | — | Mar 2–May 25 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 185 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 8 | 269 | overwinter: Plant Oct 8 to Oct 29; harvest the following summer. | Oct 29 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 23–May 18 | 220 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 23; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 30 | May 4–May 11 | 136 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 136 available after May 4. | Jun 20 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 13 | May 11–May 11 | 129 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 129 available after May 11. | May 26 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 16 | Apr 20–May 4 | 178 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 20. | Jul 18 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 2 | Apr 13–Apr 13 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 2–May 25 | 241 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Oct 29. | Sep 5 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 2 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 213 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 213 available after Mar 30. | Jul 7 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 129 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 129 available after May 11. | May 26 |
| Eggplant | Mar 9 | May 11–May 18 | 122 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 122 available after May 11. | Jun 18 |
| Okra | Mar 30 | May 4–May 11 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Basil | Mar 23 | May 18–May 18 | 129 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 129 available after May 18. | Jul 12 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 30–Apr 20 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 12 |
| Parsley | Feb 16 | May 4–May 11 | 164 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 164 available after May 4. | Jul 23 |
| Celery | Feb 16 | May 4–May 18 | 164 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 164 available after May 4. | Jun 3 |
| Scallions | Feb 16 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 16 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 26 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 16–Mar 30 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 16 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 30 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 17 |
| Collards | Feb 16 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 16 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 122 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 122 available after May 11. | Jun 3 |
| Chives | Feb 2 | May 4–May 11 | 178 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 178 available after May 4. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 2–May 25 | 227 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 2 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Oregano | Feb 16 | May 4–May 11 | 178 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 178 available after May 4. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 2 | May 4–May 11 | 164 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 164 available after May 4. | — |
| Sage | Mar 2 | May 4–May 11 | 178 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 178 available after May 4. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 16 | May 4–May 11 | 178 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 178 available after May 4. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 16 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 12 |
| Cosmos | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 11 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 12; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 12 |
| Lavender | Feb 2 | Apr 27–May 11 | 185 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 16 | Apr 27–May 4 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 22 |
| Melons | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 122 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 122 available after May 11. | Jun 3 |
| Mint | — | Apr 27–May 11 | 185 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 27. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 4 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 4–May 18 | 143 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 143 available after May 4. | Jul 7 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 129 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 129 available after May 11. | Jun 5 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 27–May 11 | 150 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 27. | Jul 2 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 2 | May 4–May 11 | 129 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 129 available after May 4. | Jun 13 |
| Watermelon | Apr 13 | May 4–May 11 | 129 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 129 available after May 4. | Jun 8 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 13 | May 11–May 18 | 136 | two-plantings: Plant May 11 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Zinnias | Mar 30 | Apr 27–May 11 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Jul 12; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 12 |
Month by month in Onalaska
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 2), Lavender (Feb 2), Onion (Feb 2), Rosemary (Feb 2), Celery (Feb 16), Collards (Feb 16), +5 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Broccoli (Mar 2), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 2), Cabbage (Mar 2), Lettuce (Mar 2), Sage (Mar 2), Swiss Chard (Mar 2), +14 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 2), Beets (Mar 2), Dill (Mar 2), Peas (Mar 2), Radish (Mar 2), Spinach (Mar 2), +3 more. Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 30), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 30), Cabbage (Mar 30), Collards (Mar 30), Kale (Mar 30), Lettuce (Mar 30), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 23). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 6), Butternut Squash (Apr 13), Cantaloupe (Apr 13), Melons (Apr 13), Pumpkin (Apr 13), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 13), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 6), Potatoes (Apr 13), Sunflowers (Apr 27). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 13), Swiss Chard (Apr 13), Bok Choy (Apr 20), Cauliflower (Apr 20), Cosmos (Apr 27), Lavender (Apr 27), +4 more. Last frost around April 27. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 4), Pole Beans (May 4). Transplant from: Celery (May 4), Chives (May 4), Corn (May 4), Okra (May 4), Oregano (May 4), Parsley (May 4), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 26), Pumpkin (May 26). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 3), Celery (Jun 3), Melons (Jun 3), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 5), Tomato (Jun 8), Watermelon (Jun 8), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 2), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 7), Pole Beans (Jul 7), Basil (Jul 12), Cosmos (Jul 12), Cucumber (Jul 12), +11 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 6), Carrots (Aug 6), Beets (Aug 7), Dill (Aug 7), Swiss Chard (Aug 7), Calendula (Aug 12), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 5), Spinach (Sep 5), Radish (Sep 6). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 8). First frost around October 8. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 29). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Onalaska, WI (ZIP 54650)?
The median last spring frost date for Onalaska, WI (ZIP code 54650) is around April 27. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 10; one in ten it runs past May 13.
What is the first fall frost date in Onalaska, WI?
The median first fall frost date for Onalaska, WI is around October 8. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 23 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Onalaska, WI?
The frost-free growing season in Onalaska is about 164 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Onalaska (164 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Onalaska, WI?
Onalaska, WI is in USDA hardiness zone 5a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Onalaska, WI?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 23 and plant out May 11 in Onalaska. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Onalaska?
Two: plant Mar 30 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 15.
When do I plant garlic in Onalaska?
Oct 8 to Oct 29; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
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