When to plant tulip bulbs in North Dakota

Fall planting in Fargo

Sep 18–Oct 23

Across North Dakota the window opens between September 7 and September 18. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Fargo: Sep 18–Oct 23
Last frost, Fargo: 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

FargoSep 18–Oct 23

BismarckSep 16–Oct 21

Grand ForksSep 17–Oct 22

MinotSep 17–Oct 22

West FargoSep 18–Oct 23

WillistonSep 7–Oct 12

DickinsonSep 8–Oct 13

MandanSep 13–Oct 18

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in North Dakota?

In Fargo, fall planting from September 18 to October 23. Across North Dakota the window opens between September 7 and September 18, 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.