When to Plant Dahlias in Michigan

In a typical Michigan location, plant outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Port Huron and as late as May 26 in Cadillac.

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
DetroitApr 28 – May 12
Grand RapidsMay 13 – May 27
WarrenApr 28 – May 12
Sterling HeightsMay 7 – May 21
Ann ArborMay 12 – May 26
LansingMay 8 – May 22
Clinton TownshipMay 7 – May 21
FlintMay 13 – May 27
DearbornMay 4 – May 18
LivoniaMay 8 – May 22
CantonMay 1 – May 15
TroyMay 3 – May 17
WestlandApr 27 – May 11
Farmington HillsMay 8 – May 22
KalamazooMay 5 – May 19
WaterfordMay 6 – May 20
WyomingMay 13 – May 27
ShelbyMay 3 – May 17
Rochester HillsMay 3 – May 17
SouthfieldMay 8 – May 22
West Bloomfield TownshipMay 6 – May 20
TaylorApr 27 – May 11
PontiacMay 3 – May 17
Saint Clair ShoresMay 6 – May 20
Royal OakApr 28 – May 12
NoviMay 8 – May 22
Dearborn HeightsMay 8 – May 22
Battle CreekMay 7 – May 21
KentwoodMay 13 – May 27
RedfordMay 8 – May 22

Showing the 30 most populous of 120 Michigan cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Michigan cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant dahlias in Michigan?

In a typical Michigan location, plant outdoors May 7 – May 21. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Port Huron and as late as May 26 in Cadillac.

When is the last frost in Michigan?

The average last spring frost in Michigan ranges from April 19 in Port Huron to May 19 in Cadillac, 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 Michigan

When to plant dahlias in other states

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