When to Plant Dahlias in Florida

In a typical Florida location, plant outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 22 in Sarasota and as late as Mar 28 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

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
JacksonvilleFeb 8 – Feb 22
MiamiFrost-free: year-round planting
TampaJan 27 – Feb 10
OrlandoJan 24 – Feb 7
St. PetersburgJan 24 – Feb 7
HialeahFrost-free: year-round planting
TallahasseeMar 18 – Apr 1
Fort LauderdaleFrost-free: year-round planting
Cape CoralJan 23 – Feb 6
Pembroke PinesFrost-free: year-round planting
Port Saint LucieFrost-free: year-round planting
HollywoodFrost-free: year-round planting
GainesvilleMar 10 – Mar 24
MiramarFrost-free: year-round planting
Coral SpringsFrost-free: year-round planting
West Palm BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
Palm BayJan 23 – Feb 6
ClearwaterJan 24 – Feb 7
Miami GardensFrost-free: year-round planting
Pompano BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
LakelandFeb 2 – Feb 16
BrandonFeb 6 – Feb 20
DavieFrost-free: year-round planting
Spring HillFeb 12 – Feb 26
Boca RatonFrost-free: year-round planting
PlantationFrost-free: year-round planting
Miami BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
DeltonaFeb 2 – Feb 16
Lehigh AcresJan 24 – Feb 7
MelbourneJan 27 – Feb 10

Showing the 30 most populous of 351 Florida cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Florida cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant dahlias in Florida?

In a typical Florida location, plant outdoors Feb 1 – Feb 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 22 in Sarasota and as late as Mar 28 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Florida?

The average last spring frost in Florida ranges from January 15 in Sarasota to March 21 in Crestview, 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 Florida

When to plant dahlias in other states

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