When to plant popcorn in Wisconsin
Wisconsin spans USDA zones 4b–6a, so the right time to plant popcorn shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 19 in Pleasant Prairie to May 11 in River Falls — below are local dates for 97 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 6a | April 26 | October 18 | April 26 – May 10 |
| Madison | 5a | May 1 | October 9 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Green Bay | 5b | May 7 | October 9 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Kenosha | 5b | April 28 | October 19 | April 28 – May 12 |
| Racine | 6a | April 20 | October 24 | April 20 – May 4 |
| Appleton | 5b | May 4 | October 6 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Waukesha | 5b | May 1 | October 13 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Eau Claire | 4b | April 24 | October 14 | April 24 – May 8 |
Popcorn in Wisconsin: FAQ
When can I plant popcorn in Wisconsin?
Across Wisconsin, the time to direct-sow popcorn spans roughly April 19 in Pleasant Prairie to May 11 in River Falls, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the popcorn planting date vary across Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin publishes 97 cities with their own frost dates, so the right popcorn planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does popcorn take to grow in Wisconsin?
Popcorn takes about 90–120 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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