When to Plant Dahlias in Indiana

In a typical Indiana location, plant outdoors Apr 29 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 5 in Evansville and as late as May 9 in Auburn.

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
IndianapolisApr 27 – May 11
Fort WayneMay 1 – May 15
EvansvilleApr 5 – Apr 19
South BendApr 30 – May 14
CarmelApr 28 – May 12
BloomingtonApr 22 – May 6
HammondApr 30 – May 14
GaryApr 29 – May 13
FishersApr 28 – May 12
LafayetteMay 3 – May 17
MuncieApr 23 – May 7
Terre HauteApr 22 – May 6
NoblesvilleApr 28 – May 12
KokomoMay 4 – May 18
GreenwoodApr 27 – May 11
AndersonApr 26 – May 10
ElkhartMay 3 – May 17
MishawakaApr 30 – May 14
LawrenceApr 25 – May 9
JeffersonvilleApr 7 – Apr 21
ColumbusApr 18 – May 2
West LafayetteMay 3 – May 17
PortageApr 29 – May 13
WestfieldApr 28 – May 12
New AlbanyApr 7 – Apr 21
RichmondMay 1 – May 15
MerrillvilleApr 29 – May 13
GoshenMay 3 – May 17
ValparaisoApr 29 – May 13
Michigan CityApr 26 – May 10

Showing the 30 most populous of 88 Indiana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Indiana cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant dahlias in Indiana?

In a typical Indiana location, plant outdoors Apr 29 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 5 in Evansville and as late as May 9 in Auburn.

When is the last frost in Indiana?

The average last spring frost in Indiana ranges from March 29 in Evansville to May 2 in Auburn, 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 Indiana

When to plant dahlias in other states

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