When to Plant Dahlias in Massachusetts
In a typical Massachusetts location, plant outdoors May 2 – May 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Boston and as late as May 17 in North Adams.
Plant tubers 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil is warm (60F+); very frost-sensitive.
Dahlias Planting Dates by City
| City | Plant outdoors |
|---|---|
| Boston | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Worcester | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Springfield | May 10 – May 24 |
| Lowell | May 7 – May 21 |
| Cambridge | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| New Bedford | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Dorchester | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Brockton | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Fall River | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Quincy | May 2 – May 16 |
| Lynn | May 2 – May 16 |
| Newton | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Somerville | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Lawrence | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Framingham | May 3 – May 17 |
| Framingham Center | May 3 – May 17 |
| Waltham | May 5 – May 19 |
| Haverhill | May 8 – May 22 |
| Malden | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Brookline | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Medford | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Taunton | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Chicopee | May 10 – May 24 |
| North Chicopee | May 10 – May 24 |
| Weymouth | May 2 – May 16 |
| Revere | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Peabody | May 2 – May 16 |
| Methuen | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| South Peabody | May 2 – May 16 |
| Barnstable | Apr 29 – May 13 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 183 Massachusetts cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Massachusetts cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant dahlias in Massachusetts?
In a typical Massachusetts location, plant outdoors May 2 – May 16. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Boston and as late as May 17 in North Adams.
When is the last frost in Massachusetts?
The average last spring frost in Massachusetts ranges from April 4 in Boston to May 10 in North Adams, 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 Massachusetts
- 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