When to Plant Bulbs and Perennials

Planting with Precision: When to Plant Bulbs and Perennials

The timing of bulb and perennial planting can make all the difference between a thriving garden and a disappointing season. Because the United States spans multiple hardiness zones and climate types, there’s no single calendar date that works for everyone. Instead, it’s all about matching planting windows to soil temperature, first and last frost dates, and the dormancy needs of your plants.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Fall-Planted Bulbs (Spring-Blooming)

Includes: Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, alliums, muscari, fritillaria

General Rule: Plant 6–8 weeks before the ground freezes. Soil temperature should be consistently below 55°F (13°C).

Region	Ideal Planting Time
Northern U.S. (Zones 3–5)	Late September – October
Mid-Atlantic / Midwest (Zones 5–6)	Mid October – Early November
Southern U.S. (Zones 7–8)	November – December
Deep South / Florida (Zones 8–10)	December – January*
Pacific Northwest	October – Early November
Southwest / Desert Zones	Late November – Early January*

Note: Southern regions without consistent winter chill must pre-chill certain bulbs (like tulips, hyacinths) at 40–45°F for 10–12 weeks prior to planting.

Spring-Planted Bulbs (Summer-Blooming)

Includes: Dahlias, lilies, gladiolus, callas, cannas, begonias, caladiums

General Rule: Plant after the last frost date, once soil is above 55°F (13°C).

Region	Ideal Planting Time
Southern U.S. (Zones 7–10)	March – April
Mid-Atlantic / Midwest (Zones 5–6)	April – May
Northern U.S. (Zones 3–4)	Late May – Early June
Pacific Northwest	April – May
Southwest / Desert Zones	March – April (shade recommended)

Perennials (Bare Root or Potted)

Best Practice: Plant in spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is more consistent. Avoid mid-summer in hot regions.

Spring Planting:

Great for tender or marginally hardy perennials
Encourages strong root establishment before winter

Fall Planting:

Ideal for hardy perennials (Echinacea, Salvia, Coreopsis, etc.)
Allows roots to establish in cool soil without expending energy on bloom

Region	Spring Planting	Fall Planting
Northern U.S.	May – June	August – September
Midwest / Northeast	April – May	September – October
South / Southeast	February – April	October – November
Pacific Northwest	March – May	September – October
Desert Southwest	October – November	Rarely spring—wait until temps cool

Quick Tips by Crop:

Tulips & Daffodils: Earlier in the North, later in the South—with chill adjusted
Alliums: Plant with tulips in fall for dramatic late-spring height
Lilies: Spring or fall works, but avoid soggy soil
Dahlias & Begonias: Don’t rush—wait until frost risk is gone
Peonies: Best planted in fall, especially in cooler zones