The USDA Zone info is a great tool for gardeners to help us determine your gardening schedule. The most important data that the zone info tells us is average last frost and the lowest expected temperature for your area.

In Wisconsin Rapids you can estimate when to plant rudbeckia by using the USDA zone info.

Planting Calendar for Rudbeckia

Frost tolerance for rudbeckia:	Tolerant of some frost.
When to plant:	Up to 5 weeks before last frost.

Since rudbeckia are moderately cold tolerant you can plant them a little earlier in the year than other frost tender plants.

The earliest that you can plant rudbeckia in Wisconsin Rapids is March. However, you really should wait until April if you don't want to take any chances.

The last month that you can plant rudbeckia and expect a good harvest is probably August. Any later than that and your rudbeckia may not have a chance to fully mature. You can get started a little bit earlier by starting your rudbeckia indoors.

Last Frost Date

On average all chance of frost has passed is on May 15 in Wisconsin Rapids. In the coldest months of winter you can expect an average low temperature of -25°F.

Since the USDA zone info for Wisconsin Rapids is an average the actual date of last frost will vary from year to year. Half of the time in Wisconsin Rapids you get surprised by a frost after May 15 so always be ready to cover your rudbeckia if you have a late frost.

USDA Zone Info for Wisconsin Rapids

Here is the info for USDA Zone 4b.

Average Date of Last Frost (spring)	May 15
Average Date of First Frost (fall)	September 15
Lowest Expected Low	-25°F
Highest Expected Low	-20°F

This means that on a really cold year, the coldest it will get is -25°F. On most years you should be prepared to experience lows near -20°F.

Plants to Grow in Wisconsin Rapids

You may be interested in your other planting guides for Wisconsin Rapids.