When to Plant Dahlias in Ohio

In a typical Ohio location, plant outdoors Apr 29 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Cleveland and as late as May 15 in Girard.

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
ColumbusApr 27 – May 11
ClevelandApr 15 – Apr 29
CincinnatiApr 23 – May 7
ToledoApr 27 – May 11
AkronMay 1 – May 15
DaytonApr 25 – May 9
ParmaApr 27 – May 11
CantonMay 1 – May 15
YoungstownMay 8 – May 22
LorainMay 1 – May 15
HamiltonApr 29 – May 13
SpringfieldMay 2 – May 16
KetteringApr 25 – May 9
ElyriaApr 29 – May 13
LakewoodApr 27 – May 11
Cuyahoga FallsMay 7 – May 21
MiddletownMay 1 – May 15
NewarkMay 6 – May 20
EuclidApr 15 – Apr 29
MentorMay 3 – May 17
MansfieldMay 3 – May 17
BeavercreekApr 25 – May 9
DublinApr 29 – May 13
Cleveland HeightsApr 15 – Apr 29
StrongsvilleApr 27 – May 11
FairfieldApr 26 – May 10
FindlayApr 29 – May 13
WarrenMay 15 – May 29
LancasterApr 29 – May 13
Grove CityApr 30 – May 14

Showing the 30 most populous of 203 Ohio cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Ohio cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant dahlias in Ohio?

In a typical Ohio location, plant outdoors Apr 29 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Cleveland and as late as May 15 in Girard.

When is the last frost in Ohio?

The average last spring frost in Ohio ranges from April 8 in Cleveland to May 8 in Girard, 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 Ohio

When to plant dahlias in other states

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