When to plant tulip bulbs in South Dakota

Fall planting in Sioux Falls

Sep 29–Nov 3

Across South Dakota the window opens between September 15 and September 29. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average first fall frost.

Fall planting, Sioux Falls: Sep 29–Nov 3
Last frost, Sioux Falls: Apr 26

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

Sioux FallsSep 29–Nov 3

Rapid CitySep 24–Oct 29

AberdeenSep 15–Oct 20

BrookingsSep 17–Oct 22

WatertownSep 16–Oct 21

Questions

When should I plant tulip bulbs in South Dakota?

In Sioux Falls, fall planting from September 29 to November 3. Across South Dakota the window opens between September 15 and September 29, 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.