When to Plant Dahlias in Illinois
In a typical Illinois location, plant outdoors Apr 27 – May 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 8 in Granite City and as late as May 8 in Roscoe.
Plant tubers 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil is warm (60F+); very frost-sensitive.
Dahlias Planting Dates by City
| City | Plant outdoors |
|---|---|
| Chicago | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Aurora | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Rockford | May 1 – May 15 |
| Joliet | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Naperville | May 5 – May 19 |
| Peoria | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Springfield | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| North Peoria | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Elgin | May 3 – May 17 |
| Waukegan | May 7 – May 21 |
| Champaign | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Cicero | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Bloomington | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Arlington Heights | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Evanston | May 3 – May 17 |
| Schaumburg | May 7 – May 21 |
| Bolingbrook | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Decatur | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Palatine | May 2 – May 16 |
| Skokie | May 3 – May 17 |
| Des Plaines | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Orland Park | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Tinley Park | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Oak Lawn | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Berwyn | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Mount Prospect | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Normal | May 2 – May 16 |
| Wheaton | May 5 – May 19 |
| Oak Park | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Hoffman Estates | May 7 – May 21 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 242 Illinois cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Illinois cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant dahlias in Illinois?
In a typical Illinois location, plant outdoors Apr 27 – May 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 8 in Granite City and as late as May 8 in Roscoe.
When is the last frost in Illinois?
The average last spring frost in Illinois ranges from April 1 in Granite City to May 1 in Roscoe, 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 Illinois
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
When to plant dahlias in other states