When to plant tulip bulbs in Montana

Fall planting in Billings

Sep 23–Oct 28

Across Montana the window opens between August 22 and September 23. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Billings: Sep 23–Oct 28
Last frost, Billings: May 4

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

BillingsSep 23–Oct 28

MissoulaSep 17–Oct 22

Great FallsSep 17–Oct 22

BozemanSep 8–Oct 13

Butte-Silver BowAug 22–Sep 26

HelenaSep 16–Oct 21

KalispellAug 27–Oct 1

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in Montana?

In Billings, fall planting from September 23 to October 28. Across Montana the window opens between August 22 and September 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.