When to plant tulip bulbs in New Hampshire

Fall planting in Manchester

Sep 27–Nov 1

Across New Hampshire the window opens between September 17 and September 27. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Manchester: Sep 27–Nov 1
Last frost, Manchester: Apr 30

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

ManchesterSep 27–Nov 1

NashuaSep 24–Oct 29

ConcordSep 19–Oct 24

DoverSep 26–Oct 31

RochesterSep 25–Oct 30

KeeneSep 17–Oct 22

PortsmouthSep 24–Oct 29

DerrySep 27–Nov 1

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in New Hampshire?

In Manchester, fall planting from September 27 to November 1. Across New Hampshire the window opens between September 17 and September 27, 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.