Perennial Flower

When to Plant Daylilies in California

Nearly indestructible perennials with stunning trumpet-shaped blooms. Each flower lasts just one day, but the show goes on for weeks.

The Short Answer

Daylilies grow throughout California, with evergreen varieties providing year-round foliage in the mild coastal and southern regions.

California Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of California you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern California Mountains 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b May 1 - May 25 Sep 20 - Oct 15
Central Valley 9a, 9b Feb 10 - Mar 1 Nov 15 - Dec 5
Southern California Coast 10a, 10b, 11a Jan 1 - Feb 1 Dec 10 - Jan 1
Bay Area 9b, 10a Jan 20 - Feb 15 Nov 25 - Dec 15

Daylilies Planting Schedule for California

Northern California Mountains (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 15

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Central Valley (Zones 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 10 - Mar 1 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Southern California Coast (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Jan 1 - Feb 1 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 1

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Bay Area (Zones 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 20 - Feb 15 · Average first frost: Nov 25 - Dec 15

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Growing Daylilies in California

State-Specific Growing Tips

Plant anytime from fall through spring. Full sun to partial shade. Daylilies are drought-tolerant once established — ideal for California's water-conscious landscapes. In the desert, provide afternoon shade.

Recommended Varieties for California

Evergreen types for year-round foliage. Stella de Oro, Happy Returns. Thousands of varieties work in California's mild climate.

Common Challenges in California

Spider mites in hot, dry conditions. Daylily rust. Gophers eat roots. Otherwise very easy.

Growing Tips

Plant bare-root or divisions in spring or fall. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. Deadhead to keep gardens tidy.

Companion Planting

Plant daylilies alongside these companions for better growth:

Coneflowers Black Eyed Susans

The Bottom Line

Daylilies can be grown successfully in California with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern California Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 25, while Bay Area sees frost end around Jan 20 - Feb 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Daylilies Growing Guide National planting guide with all states California Planting Calendar All plants for California Daylilies in Alabama Alabama planting dates Daylilies in Alaska Alaska planting dates Daylilies in Arizona Arizona planting dates Daylilies in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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