FrostCal

When to Plant Dahlias in North Dakota

In a typical North Dakota location, plant outdoors May 17 – May 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 11 in Wahpeton and as late as May 28 in Beulah.

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
FargoMay 12 – May 26
BismarckMay 17 – May 31
Grand ForksMay 17 – May 31
MinotMay 17 – May 31
West FargoMay 17 – May 31
WillistonMay 28 – Jun 11
DickinsonMay 27 – Jun 10
MandanMay 20 – Jun 3
JamestownMay 15 – May 29
WahpetonMay 11 – May 25
Devils LakeMay 13 – May 27
Watford CityMay 16 – May 30
Valley CityMay 20 – Jun 3
Minot Air Force BaseMay 18 – Jun 1
GraftonMay 11 – May 25
LincolnMay 21 – Jun 4
BeulahMay 28 – Jun 11
RugbyMay 24 – Jun 7
StanleyMay 24 – Jun 7
HoraceMay 11 – May 25

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant dahlias in North Dakota?

In a typical North Dakota location, plant outdoors May 17 – May 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 11 in Wahpeton and as late as May 28 in Beulah.

When is the last frost in North Dakota?

The average last spring frost in North Dakota ranges from May 4 in Wahpeton to May 21 in Beulah, 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 North Dakota

When to plant dahlias in other states

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