When to plant tulip bulbs in Arizona

Fall planting in Phoenix

Dec 15–Jan 15

Across Arizona the window opens between September 14 and December 15. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Phoenix: Dec 15–Jan 15
Last frost, Phoenix: Jan 8

Plant from 2 weeks before to 3 weeks after the first fall frost. Plant once the soil has cooled below 60°F. Bulbs need 12–14 weeks of cold to flower in spring. In the warmest parts of Arizona, chill bulbs in the fridge for 8 to 10 weeks first and plant in late December.

Tulip bulbs planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PhoenixDec 15–Jan 15

TucsonDec 15–Jan 15

GilbertDec 15–Jan 15

ChandlerDec 15–Jan 15

GlendaleDec 15–Jan 15

ScottsdaleDec 15–Jan 15

TempeDec 15–Jan 15

GoodyearDec 15–Jan 15

San Tan ValleyDec 15–Jan 15

AvondaleDec 15–Jan 15

Queen CreekDec 15–Jan 15

MaricopaNov 10–Dec 15

FlagstaffSep 14–Oct 19

Casas AdobesDec 15–Jan 15

Casa GrandeDec 15–Jan 15

Lake Havasu CityDec 15–Jan 15

Prescott ValleyOct 6–Nov 10

Catalina FoothillsNov 13–Dec 15

PrescottOct 6–Nov 10

Sierra VistaOct 26–Nov 30

Bullhead CityDec 15–Jan 15

Sun CityDec 15–Jan 15

KingmanOct 28–Dec 2

El MirageDec 15–Jan 15

Fortuna FoothillsDec 15–Jan 15

Drexel HeightsDec 15–Jan 15

FlorenceDec 15–Jan 15

Rio RicoOct 19–Nov 23

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in Arizona?

In Phoenix, fall planting from December 15 to January 15. Across Arizona the window opens between September 14 and December 15, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Plant from 2 weeks before to 3 weeks after the first fall frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.