FrostCal

When to Plant Dahlias in Louisiana

In a typical Louisiana location, plant outdoors Feb 25 – Mar 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 31 in Metairie and as late as Mar 24 in Minden.

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
New OrleansFeb 8 – Feb 22
Baton RougeMar 7 – Mar 21
ShreveportMar 7 – Mar 21
MetairieJan 31 – Feb 14
LafayetteFeb 20 – Mar 6
Lake CharlesFeb 21 – Mar 7
Bossier CityMar 7 – Mar 21
KennerFeb 6 – Feb 20
MonroeMar 15 – Mar 29
AlexandriaMar 6 – Mar 20
HoumaFeb 12 – Feb 26
MarreroJan 31 – Feb 14
New IberiaFeb 17 – Mar 3
LaplaceFeb 16 – Mar 2
CentralMar 4 – Mar 18
SlidellMar 3 – Mar 17
PrairievilleFeb 16 – Mar 2
TerrytownFeb 8 – Feb 22
RustonMar 18 – Apr 1
HammondMar 15 – Mar 29
HarveyFeb 8 – Feb 22
SulphurMar 9 – Mar 23
Bayou CaneFeb 12 – Feb 26
ShenandoahMar 7 – Mar 21
NatchitochesMar 7 – Mar 21
GretnaFeb 8 – Feb 22
ChalmetteFeb 17 – Mar 3
OpelousasMar 7 – Mar 21
ZacharyMar 4 – Mar 18
EstelleFeb 17 – Mar 3

Showing the 30 most populous of 66 Louisiana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Louisiana cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant dahlias in Louisiana?

In a typical Louisiana location, plant outdoors Feb 25 – Mar 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 31 in Metairie and as late as Mar 24 in Minden.

When is the last frost in Louisiana?

The average last spring frost in Louisiana ranges from January 24 in Metairie to March 17 in Minden, 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 Louisiana

When to plant dahlias in other states

Related Guides