When to Plant Dahlias in Rhode Island

In a typical Rhode Island location, plant outdoors Apr 18 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Newport and as late as May 8 in Narragansett.

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
ProvidenceApr 18 – May 2
WarwickApr 18 – May 2
CranstonApr 18 – May 2
PawtucketApr 29 – May 13
East ProvidenceApr 18 – May 2
WoonsocketApr 29 – May 13
CoventryApr 29 – May 13
CumberlandApr 29 – May 13
North ProvidenceApr 18 – May 2
South KingstownMay 8 – May 22
West WarwickApr 29 – May 13
JohnstonApr 18 – May 2
North KingstownMay 4 – May 18
NewportApr 14 – Apr 28
BristolApr 18 – May 2
SmithfieldApr 29 – May 13
LincolnApr 29 – May 13
Central FallsApr 29 – May 13
WesterlyApr 18 – May 2
PortsmouthApr 18 – May 2
MiddletownApr 18 – May 2
BarringtonApr 18 – May 2
NarragansettMay 8 – May 22
East GreenwichApr 18 – May 2
Newport EastApr 18 – May 2
Valley FallsApr 29 – May 13
WarrenApr 18 – May 2
North SmithfieldApr 29 – May 13
North ScituateMay 2 – May 16

Showing the 29 most populous of 29 Rhode Island cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Rhode Island cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant dahlias in Rhode Island?

In a typical Rhode Island location, plant outdoors Apr 18 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Newport and as late as May 8 in Narragansett.

When is the last frost in Rhode Island?

The average last spring frost in Rhode Island ranges from April 7 in Newport to May 1 in Narragansett, 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 Rhode Island

When to plant dahlias in other states

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