FrostCal

When to Plant Dahlias in District of Columbia

In a typical District of Columbia location, plant outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 31 in Washington and as late as Apr 16 in Chevy Chase.

Method Plant out (slips, crowns, or tubers)
Days to maturity 90–120 days

Plant tubers 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil is warm (60F+); very frost-sensitive.

Dahlias Planting Dates by City

CityPlant outdoors
WashingtonMar 31 – Apr 14
Downtown DCApr 5 – Apr 19
Columbia HeightsApr 5 – Apr 19
Mount PleasantApr 16 – Apr 30
Central 14th Street / Spring RoadApr 5 – Apr 19
Northwest OneApr 5 – Apr 19
Foggy BottomApr 16 – Apr 30
Mount Vernon TriangleApr 5 – Apr 19
H Street NEApr 5 – Apr 19
Pleasant PlainsApr 5 – Apr 19
NoMaApr 5 – Apr 19
PetworthApr 5 – Apr 19
Capitol RiverfrontMar 31 – Apr 14
Park ViewApr 5 – Apr 19
Golden TriangleMar 31 – Apr 14
ShawApr 5 – Apr 19
BrightwoodApr 5 – Apr 19
Adams MorganApr 5 – Apr 19
Kennedy StreetApr 5 – Apr 19
Southwest WaterfrontMar 31 – Apr 14
Barracks RowApr 5 – Apr 19
Union MarketApr 5 – Apr 19
AnacostiaMar 31 – Apr 14
Colorado TriangleApr 16 – Apr 30
Brentwood VillageApr 5 – Apr 19
The WharfMar 31 – Apr 14
Central 14th Street / WMATA Northern Bus BarnApr 5 – Apr 19
Van NessApr 16 – Apr 30
Benning RoadApr 5 – Apr 19
HillcrestApr 5 – Apr 19

Showing the 30 most populous of 35 District of Columbia cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all District of Columbia cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant dahlias in District of Columbia?

In a typical District of Columbia location, plant outdoors Apr 5 – Apr 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 31 in Washington and as late as Apr 16 in Chevy Chase.

When is the last frost in District of Columbia?

The average last spring frost in District of Columbia ranges from March 24 in Washington to April 9 in Chevy Chase, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do dahlias take to grow?

Dahlias typically take 90–120 days from planting to harvest. Plant tubers 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil is warm (60F+); very frost-sensitive.

Other Crops in District of Columbia

When to plant dahlias in other states

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