Perennial Flower

When to Plant Daylilies in Minnesota

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

The Short Answer

In Minnesota, plant daylilies based on your regional frost dates. Northern Minnesota has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southern Minnesota sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. Long, cold winters. Warm summers. Short but productive growing season with long summer days. Hardy varieties essential.

Minnesota Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Minnesota 3a, 3b May 15 - Jun 1 Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Minnesota 3b, 4a May 5 - May 20 Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Minnesota 4a, 4b Apr 25 - May 10 Sep 25 - Oct 10

Daylilies Planting Schedule for Minnesota

Northern Minnesota (Zones 3a, 3b)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20

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0 wks after frost

Central Minnesota (Zones 3b, 4a)

Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 1

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0 wks after frost

Southern Minnesota (Zones 4a, 4b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

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0 wks after frost

Growing Daylilies in Minnesota

Daylilies in Minnesota's Climate

Daylilies are bombproof perennials for cold climates. They survive harsh winters, tolerate poor soil, and bloom reliably through moderate summers. Choose dormant varieties for the coldest zones — they go completely dormant in winter and emerge vigorously each spring. Stella de Oro reblooms from June through frost.

Soil Considerations for Minnesota

Rich prairie soils in south and west. Rocky and thin soils in north. Generally excellent for gardening in southern half.

Minnesota Climate & Growing Season

Long, cold winters. Warm summers. Short but productive growing season with long summer days. Hardy varieties essential. Daylilies can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Minnesota's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Minnesota: Northern Minnesota (3a, 3b) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southern Minnesota (4a, 4b) sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. This difference matters for daylilies — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

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 across Minnesota, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Minnesota gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 1 last frost, while those in Southern Minnesota can typically plant earlier. 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 Minnesota Planting Calendar All plants for Minnesota 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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