Perennial Flower

When to Plant Daylilies in Vermont

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 Vermont, plant daylilies based on your regional frost dates. Northern Vermont has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern Vermont sees frost end around May 5 - May 20. Short growing season. Cold winters. Cool summers. Long summer days help compensate. Season extension techniques...

Vermont Frost Dates

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

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

Daylilies Planting Schedule for Vermont

Northern Vermont (Zones 3b, 4a)

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

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0 wks after frost

Central Vermont (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 10 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 1

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0 wks after frost

Southern Vermont (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)

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

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0 wks after frost

Growing Daylilies in Vermont

Daylilies in Vermont'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 Vermont

Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very popular.

Vermont Climate & Growing Season

Short growing season. Cold winters. Cool summers. Long summer days help compensate. Season extension techniques valuable. Daylilies can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Vermont's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Vermont: Northern Vermont (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern Vermont (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 5 - May 20. 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 Vermont, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Vermont gardeners should plan around a May 20 - Jun 5 last frost, while those in Southern Vermont 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 Vermont Planting Calendar All plants for Vermont 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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