When to Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Many of the most common bulbous plants in the flower world are spring-flowering species. However, in order to bloom, these spring-flowering plants need to be planted months in advance. A general rule of thumb is that spring-flowering bulbous plants need a period of cold, so they should be planted in the fall. But autumn is a long season, and some bulbous plants need a more precise planting time within the fall window.

Precautions for Planting Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Looking at the calendar, there is no perfect time to plant bulbs. The ideal time to plant spring bulb plants depends on where you live and seasonal weather conditions.

To break dormancy and ensure flowering, most common spring-flowering bulb plants (such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocus) must be exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees or lower for at least 12 to 14 weeks. Exposing bulbs to such cold temperatures stimulates them to bloom and start root growth. Most spring-flowering bulbs must be planted in the soil for several weeks before the ground freezes in order for their root systems to develop.

Planting these bulbs too early in the fall can be detrimental because the bulbs may start germinating too early. Growing leaves too early can deplete the bulb of the energy it needs to survive winter and spring flowering. So, if your area is experiencing a long summer and the temperatures are still quite warm in early fall, postpone planting until the temperatures start to cool down.

Here are the general rules of thumb for planting spring-flowering bulb plants:

• Gardeners in USDA’s coldest areas (zones 1 to 4) should plant bulbs in late August and early September. Don’t wait for the official start of autumn on the calendar to plant bulb plants.
• Gardeners in districts 5 to 7 also can’t trust the calendar. You have to wait until the temperature cools down before you can plant bulbs, especially during the day. Temperatures may start to get cold in September in some years and in October in others. It’s better to make mistakes later. If the ground isn’t frozen yet, you can even plant bulbous plants in November and beyond.
• Gardeners in warmer climates and in zones 8 and above need to purchase pre-cooled bulbs for maximum success. The warm winter is not cold enough for the bulb to get the required cooling time.

If You Forgot to Plant Bulbous Plants in the Fall

The guidelines mentioned here are the ideal time to plant, but sooner or later every gardener buys bulbs and then forgets about them or doesn’t plant them at the ideal time. Pull yourself together; Everything is not lost.

Most of the bulbs on store shelves are dug up in early summer and then stored for shipping. If you forget to plant bulbs that are still full and strong in late fall or early winter, then they can still survive and be plantable. Storing bulbs away from the soil throughout the winter can cause them to wilt and die. It is important to plant the bulbs in the soil as soon as possible.

Before the Ground Freezes

The old adage says, “As long as you can stick a shovel in the ground, you can plant bulbs.” It’s hard to believe, but they’re better in cold soil than in a garage or basement. Spring bulbs are known to take root in soils with temperatures slightly above freezing. So if you’re planting at the end of the season, plant as deep as you can, even a few inches deeper than recommended. Once the ground freezes, cover the bulb with a few inches thick of leaves, straw, or some evergreen branches. In the spring, it may take longer for the buds to surface from the extra depth, but they will eventually.

After the Ground Freezes

Once the ground freezes and the soil is too hard to dig into, you may be tempted to throw the bulbs into a dark corner of your basement and forget about them until spring. But spring-flowering bulbs are not like dahlias, gladiolus, or other summer-flowering young bulb plants that can be stored for the winter. Keep in mind that spring-flowering bulbous plants need to grow some roots and go through a cold period before they can sprout and bloom in the next season. The bulbs store only enough energy for them to survive a dormant season. They need to grow next year to refuel, so you really need to somehow put them in the soil.

If you find yourself stuck in a situation where the soil freezes and you can’t dig in, you have two options.

• Hold them up. Plant the bulbs in a large container filled with potting soil. Plant the bulbs in the container at the appropriate depth and make sure the bulbs do not press against the sides of the pot, otherwise they will freeze. For proper insulation, there must be enough soil between the sides of the pot and the bulbs. Store pots in unheated garages, porches, or even basement windows. Bulbs need to be properly cooled, but not exposed to extreme environments. If the pot is dry, water it once a month, but don’t leave the soil moist. Move pots outdoors in mid-spring to allow the bulbs to bloom in the pots, or transplant them into the garden after germination. Transplanting into the garden will give the bulbs more time to grow and become stronger next year.
• If you can’t dig the soil, plant on it. Spread the bulbs on the ground and cover them with at least 6 to 8 inches of potting soil. To keep the soil fixed and prevent rodents from eating your bulbs, fence the area with barbed wire or a stiff cloth. You can remove the case in a spring. Once the bulb freezes, cover it.

Planting spring-flowering bulbous plants on time is the best guarantee of spring flowering, but planting can also be postponed. Even if they don’t put on many shows in their first year, they should get better as they get older.