When to plant tulip bulbs in Idaho

Fall planting in Boise City

Oct 7–Nov 11

Across Idaho the window opens between September 10 and October 12. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Boise City: Oct 7–Nov 11
Last frost, Boise City: Apr 24

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

Boise CityOct 7–Nov 11

MeridianOct 7–Nov 11

NampaSep 29–Nov 3

CaldwellSep 29–Nov 3

Idaho FallsSep 17–Oct 22

PocatelloSep 27–Nov 1

Coeur d'AleneOct 4–Nov 8

Twin FallsSep 25–Oct 30

Post FallsOct 4–Nov 8

RexburgSep 10–Oct 15

LewistonOct 12–Nov 16

EagleSep 29–Nov 3

KunaOct 7–Nov 11

StarSep 29–Nov 3

AmmonSep 17–Oct 22

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in Idaho?

In Boise City, fall planting from October 7 to November 11. Across Idaho the window opens between September 10 and October 12, 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.