When to Plant Dahlias in Nebraska

In a typical Nebraska location, plant outdoors May 1 – May 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 22 in Elkhorn and as late as May 18 in Alliance.

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
OmahaApr 25 – May 9
LincolnMay 1 – May 15
BellevueApr 24 – May 8
Grand IslandApr 30 – May 14
KearneyMay 7 – May 21
FremontApr 30 – May 14
HastingsApr 29 – May 13
NorfolkMay 7 – May 21
North PlatteMay 10 – May 24
ColumbusApr 28 – May 12
PapillionApr 24 – May 8
La VistaApr 24 – May 8
ScottsbluffMay 15 – May 29
South Sioux CityMay 6 – May 20
BeatriceMay 1 – May 15
ChalcoApr 28 – May 12
LexingtonMay 3 – May 17
AllianceMay 18 – Jun 1
GeringMay 15 – May 29
ElkhornApr 22 – May 6

Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Nebraska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Nebraska cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant dahlias in Nebraska?

In a typical Nebraska location, plant outdoors May 1 – May 15. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 22 in Elkhorn and as late as May 18 in Alliance.

When is the last frost in Nebraska?

The average last spring frost in Nebraska ranges from April 15 in Elkhorn to May 11 in Alliance, 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 Nebraska

When to plant dahlias in other states

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