When, Where, and How to Plant Your Spring-Flowering Bulbs this Fall!

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 〰️ Fall is Bulb Planting Time 〰️ 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).