When to Plant Dahlias in Kentucky
In a typical Kentucky location, plant outdoors Apr 19 – May 3. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Louisville and as late as May 8 in Shelbyville.
Plant tubers 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil is warm (60F+); very frost-sensitive.
Dahlias Planting Dates by City
| City | Plant outdoors |
|---|---|
| Louisville | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Lexington | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Lexington-Fayette | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Meads | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Bowling Green | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Owensboro | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Covington | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Richmond | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Georgetown | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Florence | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Hopkinsville | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Nicholasville | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Elizabethtown | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Henderson | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Frankfort | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Jeffersontown | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Independence | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Paducah | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Valley Station | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Radcliff | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Ashland | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Newburg | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Madisonville | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Murray | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Erlanger | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Winchester | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Fern Creek | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Saint Matthews | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Okolona | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Danville | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 52 Kentucky cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kentucky cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant dahlias in Kentucky?
In a typical Kentucky location, plant outdoors Apr 19 – May 3. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 7 in Louisville and as late as May 8 in Shelbyville.
When is the last frost in Kentucky?
The average last spring frost in Kentucky ranges from March 31 in Louisville to May 1 in Shelbyville, 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 Kentucky
- 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