Bulb

When to Plant Tulips in Maryland

The herald of spring. Plant tulip bulbs in fall for a breathtaking display when you need it most — after a long winter.

The Short Answer

Tulips are planted in fall in Maryland, 8 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Sep 25 - Oct 10 in Western Maryland.

Maryland Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Maryland 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Central Maryland 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Eastern Shore 7a, 7b, 8a Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Tulips Planting Schedule for Maryland

Western Maryland (Zones 5b, 6a)

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

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Central Maryland (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Eastern Shore (Zones 7a, 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Tulips in Maryland

Tulips in Maryland's Climate

Tulips perform well in your climate with adequate chilling. Plant in October-November. Many hybrid tulips decline after 2-3 years (they're bred for shows, not longevity) — species tulips and Darwin Hybrids return most reliably. Squirrels are the main challenge.

Soil Considerations for Maryland

Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys.

Maryland Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Good growing season. Diverse growing conditions across the state. Tulips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Maryland's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Maryland: Western Maryland (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Eastern Shore (7a, 7b, 8a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. This difference matters for tulips — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Plant pointed end up, 6 inches deep. Need 12-14 weeks of cold below 40°F to bloom. Plant in groups of 10+ for the best show.

Companion Planting

Plant tulips alongside these companions for better growth:

Daffodils Hyacinths Pansies

The Bottom Line

Tulips can be grown successfully across Maryland, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Western Maryland gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 15 last frost, while those in Eastern Shore can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Tulips Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Maryland Planting Calendar All plants for Maryland Tulips in Alabama Alabama planting dates Tulips in Alaska Alaska planting dates Tulips in Arizona Arizona planting dates Tulips 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