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When to plant Tulips in Stone County, AR

Tulips planted in Stone County between mid-spring and late spring matures in 15–30 days — well before the October 27 first frost. A second sowing from September 22 to October 6 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Tulips in Stone County, AR

Tulips (Tulipa spp.) are the quintessential spring bulb, producing their iconic cup-shaped blooms in virtually every color from pure white to near-black. Fall-planted and cold-dependent, they emerge in early spring before most other flowers, providing weeks of bold color at a time when gardens are just waking up. Hundreds of cultivars span early-, mid-, and late-season types, extending the display across six weeks when planted in succession.

Stone County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.

At an elevation of 1,490 feet, Stone County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Tulips during the growing season.

Bulb Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Stone County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
209 days
Last Spring Frost April 1
209 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Stone County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Tulips Planting Timeline — Stone County, AR

Tulips Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom September 8 Sep 8 – Sep 29
Fall Sowing September 22 Sep 22 – Oct 6

Plant 8" deep · 5" apart · Rows 6" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing Bloom
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

15–30 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

209 days in Stone County

Growing Tips for Stone County

Plant bulbs pointed-end up in fall, 6–8 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart, in well-drained soil. Tulips require 12–16 weeks of cold at 35–45°F for proper vernalization — they fail to bloom without it. In zones 7–8b, plant bulbs a few weeks later than further north (late November) to ensure cold-soil uptake before spring warmth. Lift and discard bulbs after bloom in zones 7b+, as heat prevents reliable repeat flowering; treat them as annuals. Allow foliage to die back naturally before removing — it feeds next year's bulb (if leaving in the ground). Do not overwater; excellent drainage is essential to prevent bulb rot. Zones 9+: outdoor culture is not recommended; pre-chilling in the refrigerator is required and results are inconsistent.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tulips in Stone County, AR?

Stone County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Tulips planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stone County, AR?

Stone County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Tulips in Stone County, AR?

In Stone County, AR, plant Tulips after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Stone County, AR for Tulips?

Stone County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Tulips grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Tulips grow in Stone County's climate?

Yes — Tulips grows well in Stone County's temperate climate. Stone County averages a 209-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around October 27.

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Your Stone County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Stone County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Stone County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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