Is it ever too early to think about planting bulbs? We don’t think so! In fact, it’s usually best to think about which bulbs you want to grow and plan your bulbs shopping well before it’s time to plant. That way you can make sure to get the types and colors of bulbs you really want.

WHEN to Plant Spring-flowering Bulbs

To put on a successful spring bulb show, it’s all about planting in fall. The best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as crocus, daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips is mid-to late-fall, which is from late September to November in our area. Ideally, soil temperatures will be below 60°F but above freezing. Use a handy soil thermometer to check for the best planting time, as weather and soil temperatures can vary in fall.

Fall is Bulb Planting Time

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Fall is Bulb Planting Time 〰️

WHERE to Plant Spring-flowering Bulbs

Most spring-flowering bulbs will need a sunny location that receives about six hours of sunlight per day in order to bloom their best. Most bulbs don’t thrive in heavy soils that don’t drain well. If your soil has become compacted and needs amending, you can add three-inches of organic compost to the planting bed, working it into the top few inches of soil, loosening it, before you plant.

Bulbs can be planted in your garden beds, in clumps in between other existing perennials and shrubs, in rock gardens, in raised beds, and even in containers. Keep in mind that raised beds and containers will be more exposed to the elements and the soil temperature will be both colder in winter and warmer in spring. So you may need to plant bulbs deeper in pots and wrap them for protection in winter or move them into a shed or garage during freezes.

HOW to Plant Spring-flowering Bulbs

A key to bulb flowering success in spring is planting the bulbs at the right depth. A general rule for planting bulbs is to plant them 2-3 times as deep as the bulb’s height. Tulip and daffodil bulbs, for example, should be planted about 6-8 inches deep.

However, if winters are harsh or spring temperatures are warming earlier than usual, it may be beneficial to plants tulips and daffodils a bit deeper, say 10-12 inches. This can help better protect bulbs from severe cold in winter, and also regulate time of emergence in spring to prevent blasting (when tulips are exposed to warm temperatures too early and they bloom down at the bottom of the stem).

· Work some bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the soil as well as you’re planting.
· Add 1-2 inches of mulch on top of plantings to help regulate soil temperatures.
· Water in your bulbs after planting to trigger new root development.

Don’t plant your bulbs in straight lines. Bulb plantings look more natural when you plant in clusters or clumps, or intermix them with your other established plantings. Leave an inch or two between bulbs when planting as a clump in the same hole.

Can you mix different types of Bulbs in the same planting or container? YES YOU CAN! You can mix different types of bulbs in the same plantings, just make sure to plant them at the proper depth for the size of the bulb. This may mean you are layering larger bulbs deeper, covering with a bit of soil, then placing smaller bulbs on top so they aren’t planted too deep.

Can I plant seasonal color, such as pansies, on top of my bulbs? YES YOU CAN! Over planting your bulbs with seasonal color, such as pansies and violas, is a great way to maximize your garden space and keep color going most of the year. Your bulbs will emerge between your color plantings, creating a stunning spring display.

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SPRING BULBS

BULBS ARRIVE IN-STORE EARLY SEPTEMBER

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BULBS ARRIVE IN-STORE EARLY SEPTEMBER 〰️

TULIPS: You can select early, mid, or late bloomers, or mix them for an extended display. Single-late tulips offer a reliable display and Darwin hybrids make great cut flowers with sturdy stems. Species tulips perennialize nicely.

DAFFODILS: Many flower shapes, colors, and sizes, plus amazing fragrance! Hardy and deer-resistant.

DUTCH IRIS: Striking color on sturdy stems perfect for cut flowers.

GRAPE HYACINTH: Perfect little purple, blue, and white perennials for the edge of the border or naturalizing in lawns or woodlands edge.

HYACINTH: Stunning spring fragrance, great for pots

CROCUS: Perfect for naturalizing in lawns or more natural plantings for an ephemeral pop of spring color. Fall crocus bloom in the fall.

ALLIUM: Sturdy pops of color in the perennial garden. Bees love them!