Perennial Flower

When to Plant Daylilies in Texas

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 thrive in Texas's heat and sun, blooming prolifically from May through September with minimal care. The crop handles Texas drought better than most perennials, making it essential for water-wise landscapes.

Texas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Texas (Dallas) 7b, 8a Mar 10 - Mar 25 Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) 8a, 8b Feb 25 - Mar 15 Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 20 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Daylilies Planting Schedule for Texas

North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 10 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 20

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Central Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Texas Panhandle (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Transplant Outside
0 wks after frost

Growing Daylilies in Texas

State-Specific Growing Tips

Plant from fall through spring. Full sun for maximum bloom. Daylilies tolerate Texas's alkaline soils without amendment. Once established, they're remarkably drought-tolerant — perfect for Texas's water restrictions. Divide every 3-4 years. Evergreen varieties keep foliage year-round in south Texas.

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Stella de Oro (universal). Happy Returns. For Texas heat: Buttered Popcorn, Strawberry Candy. Evergreen types for south Texas year-round foliage. Texas daylily societies host garden tours and sales.

Common Challenges in Texas

Daylily rust in east Texas humidity. Spider mites in dry conditions. Deer browse. Otherwise bulletproof.

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 Texas with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Texas (Dallas) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 10 - Mar 25, while East Texas sees frost end around Mar 1 - Mar 20. 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 Texas Planting Calendar All plants for Texas 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates