When to Plant Dahlias in Missouri

In a typical Missouri location, plant outdoors Apr 15 – Apr 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 2 in Sikeston and as late as Apr 28 in Kirksville.

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
Kansas CityApr 11 – Apr 25
St. LouisApr 8 – Apr 22
SpringfieldApr 11 – Apr 25
ColumbiaApr 12 – Apr 26
IndependenceApr 17 – May 1
Lee's SummitApr 20 – May 4
O'FallonApr 16 – Apr 30
Saint JosephApr 26 – May 10
Saint CharlesApr 15 – Apr 29
Blue SpringsApr 14 – Apr 28
Saint PetersApr 16 – Apr 30
FlorissantApr 9 – Apr 23
JoplinApr 16 – Apr 30
ChesterfieldApr 11 – Apr 25
Jefferson CityApr 15 – Apr 29
Cape GirardeauApr 12 – Apr 26
OakvilleApr 13 – Apr 27
WildwoodApr 19 – May 3
WentzvilleApr 17 – May 1
University CityApr 8 – Apr 22
BallwinApr 11 – Apr 25
LibertyApr 26 – May 10
RaytownApr 17 – May 1
MehlvilleApr 13 – Apr 27
KirkwoodApr 8 – Apr 22
Maryland HeightsApr 9 – Apr 23
GladstoneApr 11 – Apr 25
HazelwoodApr 9 – Apr 23
GrandviewApr 14 – Apr 28
Webster GrovesApr 8 – Apr 22

Showing the 30 most populous of 90 Missouri cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Missouri cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant dahlias in Missouri?

In a typical Missouri location, plant outdoors Apr 15 – Apr 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 2 in Sikeston and as late as Apr 28 in Kirksville.

When is the last frost in Missouri?

The average last spring frost in Missouri ranges from March 26 in Sikeston to April 21 in Kirksville, 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 Missouri

When to plant dahlias in other states

Related Guides