Bulbs are incredibly easy to grow and most will flower for years with little attention. Planting tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other bulbs in fall is like giving yourself a present that you can’t open until spring, but know is well worth the wait.
Plant lots of the same species or colors of bulbs, or mix them up for a bright, fun look.
Bulbs need time to establish in the soil and put down some roots. Some bulbs need “chilling hours” — a certain number of hours in temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees — to bloom their best.
In colder climates they should be planted six to eight weeks before the ground freezes. Planting bulbs when temperatures are too warm can cause them to sprout before spring.
How to Plant Fall Bulbs:
- Decide where to plant. Most spring-flowering bulbs need full sun in colder climates, and light shade in hotter areas. Under trees, in a lawn or a perennial bed – someplace where they won’t be accidentally dug up – is best.
- Plant using a spade or bulb planter in well-drained soil to the depth indicated on the package.
- Sprinkle a little bulb fertilizer in a hole before placing the bulb in.
- Water after planting.
- In colder areas, mulch the bulbs with straw, shredded leaves, or finely ground bark mulch one month after planting.