La Crosse, WI planting zone & frost dates
La Crosse is in USDA hardiness zone 5a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 27 and the first fall frost around October 13, for a growing season of about 167 days.
Planting calendar for La Crosse
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 27) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 18 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 13).
Useful for zone 5a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 12 | Apr 27 | May 12 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 29 | Oct 13 | Sep 28 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 12, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 28. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 16.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in La Crosse
- 54601 zone 5a
- 54602 zone 5a
- 54603 zone 5a
Nearby cities
- North La Crosse zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
- Onalaska zone 5a, last frost Apr 23
- Eau Claire zone 4b, last frost Apr 24
- Chippewa Falls zone 4b, last frost May 8
- Menomonie zone 4b, last frost May 9
- Platteville zone 5a, last frost Apr 30
- Marshfield zone 4b, last frost May 5
- Baraboo zone 5a, last frost May 5
Questions
What growing zone is La Crosse, WI?
La Crosse is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5a (average extreme winter low -20°F to -15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in La Crosse?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in La Crosse is April 27. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 12.
When can I plant tomatoes in La Crosse?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 4 – May 11. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station La Crosse Wfo, WI (USC00474373), 4.5 km (2.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 398 m, based on 21 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.