When to plant tulip bulbs in Connecticut

Fall planting in Bridgeport

Oct 23–Nov 27

Across Connecticut the window opens between September 21 and October 23. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Bridgeport: Oct 23–Nov 27
Last frost, Bridgeport: Apr 5

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.

Tulip bulbs planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

BridgeportOct 23–Nov 27

StamfordOct 9–Nov 13

New HavenOct 13–Nov 17

HartfordOct 12–Nov 16

WaterburyOct 2–Nov 6

NorwalkOct 9–Nov 13

DanburySep 30–Nov 4

New BritainOct 12–Nov 16

West HartfordOct 12–Nov 16

BristolOct 4–Nov 8

MeridenOct 2–Nov 6

West HavenOct 13–Nov 17

MilfordOct 23–Nov 27

East HartfordOct 12–Nov 16

MiddletownOct 2–Nov 6

SheltonOct 3–Nov 7

NorwichOct 10–Nov 14

ManchesterOct 12–Nov 16

TorringtonSep 21–Oct 26

NaugatuckOct 12–Nov 16

NewingtonOct 12–Nov 16

New LondonOct 14–Nov 18

East HavenOct 13–Nov 17

WethersfieldOct 12–Nov 16

North HavenOct 12–Nov 16

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in Connecticut?

In Bridgeport, fall planting from October 23 to November 27. Across Connecticut the window opens between September 21 and October 23, 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.