When to plant tulip bulbs in Rhode Island

Fall planting in Providence

Oct 16–Nov 20

Across Rhode Island the window opens between October 5 and October 30. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Providence: Oct 16–Nov 20
Last frost, Providence: Apr 11

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

ProvidenceOct 16–Nov 20

CranstonOct 16–Nov 20

WarwickOct 16–Nov 20

PawtucketOct 5–Nov 9

East ProvidenceOct 16–Nov 20

WoonsocketOct 5–Nov 9

NewportOct 30–Dec 4

Central FallsOct 5–Nov 9

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in Rhode Island?

In Providence, fall planting from October 16 to November 20. Across Rhode Island the window opens between October 5 and October 30, 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.