With the arrival of autumn on the horizon, it is time to talk about planting spring bulbs. Say what? Spring is months away, why should I be planting bulbs now you may ask? Getting them planted early is crucial so that they can establish root systems and be ready to burst into bloom come springtime next year. Packaged bulbs of all kinds save on the gardening budget and early shoppers get maximum selection to boot, including even some prepackaged beautiful blends or mixes. I cannot count how many great gardeners come to me in late winter to spring and ask me “Where are your bulbs?” We see them in spring popping up everywhere and of course want more, but at that point we are stuck with a limited selection of starts that are far more expensive than the original bulbs. So plan ahead and get them planted now, then you will be ready to rock for 2026.
Bulbs are wonderful garden companions that we often refer to as spring ephemerals: plants that emerge in late winter, produce a vibrant floral display, and then quickly go dormant before summer - only to emerge once again the following year. There are numerous species to utilize in our area, some more common and others perhaps somewhat obscure. Most local gardeners are familiar with Crocus, Daffodils (Narcissus), Tulips, Alliums, Hyacinths, Muscari, Snowdrops, and the seemingly endless other options worthy of consideration. With each of these there are vast choices in terms of color, height and bloom time. Modern bulb packaging is super helpful as you will easily find all this information and additional facts, including planting depth and spacing that will lead you towards bulb bliss in your own landscape.
When planting bulbs, drainage is perhaps the most important factor, without question. Ensuring that your new bulbs will not drown (i.e. rot) over the wet winter period is critical. Adding compost mixed with your native soil will always help, but you should avoid planting almost any of those mentioned above in heavier clay conditions. Selections for either sun or shade are available so pay attention to how much sun your intended planting locations receive. Fertilizing bulbs at planting time with organic granular foods like Bone Meal or Sure Start (an excellent transplant food from EB Stone Organics) is crucial. Feeding should also be done as growth emerges in spring. Bulbs are somewhat curious creatures in that they need to store energy when in plant form before going dormant. When you purchase new ones, they are ready to bloom the following spring, but if you do not give them additional food it means that they cannot store energy to maximize flowering again the next season. Sprinkle either of these fertilizers amongst them as they emerge in spring, that way as it works its way into the soil the roots can absorb the nutrients while actively growing. They will get bigger and better each year that way, multiplying and naturalizing before going dormant by summer.
I could go on and on about the many cool bulbs available, and I am sure in the future I will pontificate some of my personal favorites, but for now, let me try to simplify some things and explain some of the factors that I consider when planning, planting and cultivating them.
Never cut back green growth, period. Bulb foliage is working all spring long to build up size and blooming potential for the following year. They will let you know when it is time to cut off their foliage by turning yellow and then eventually brown. After this happens, it is safe to cut them off and then wait to reunite with them the following spring. Chopping off the foliage when it is green will lead to weak growth and lack of flowering the following spring.
Sorry Mr. Squirrel, those bulbs are for me. Local critters may like to dig up your bulbs or move them from one location to another, both of which personally drive OCD-me bonkers. Consider your options; for example some Daffodils are very critter resistant (even deer and rabbits leave them alone!) while others like some Tulips or Crocus might be more attractive to them. Natural repellents work well at planting time and can be applied to susceptible varieties, once spring growth emerges you can add additional foliage protection as well if it is needed.
Fill those empty pots with bulbs. I will speak for me first and foremost; I always have extra pots sitting around the house over winter. Once the summer annuals have crashed and burned, what is next? Surely some get replanted each fall with Pansies, Hellebores and lots of other plants that add interest over the winter. Consider adding some bulbs to this mix as well or even do like I do and plant a few pots up with nothing but a mixture of different bulbs that are your favorites. Elevating them up in pots keeps them away from browsing rabbits and it is easy to apply repellent in order to keep them safe. Use a quality organic potting soil (and not the same tired soil from the previous planting) and food. Once you have admired the spring bulb show and they go dormant, take them out and add some into the landscape here and there. Since this typically happens from May to early June, it is the perfect time to revamp these pots with summer annuals, and off you go again. If you plan your varieties like me, you can have pots with bulb color from February all way through May.
Nothing beats the naturalizing masses. When choosing bulbs for the landscape, always plant in mass. One here and one there will not give much presence, but a swathe or a bunch along a border really pops. “Naturalizing” is a key word to me, as you will see this stamped on many types of bulb packaging. Specific Daffodils, Crocus, Specie Tulips, and many other types establish wonderfully, and thus your spring show should just get better year after year. I have a feeling that all gardeners want their bulbs to stay, so choosing ones that exhibit naturalizing qualities are the way to go. Pick a suitable location, plant them properly and you should be a happy bulb gardener for years to come.
Use the right tools for the job. Sometimes planting, especially in established yards with lots of roots, is not as easy as “dig a hole and drop them in.” Bulb augers are great attachments to use on a power drill and can dig holes very efficiently. The bulb planter is another ingenious invention – a simple scoop that marks depth and allows the gardener to pull up soil, then drop it right back in once the bulb and food are added to hole. Now that is “Dig, Drop, and Done!”
Gardeners should stay a season ahead with bulbs, so if you desire spring blooming bulbs you must plant them this fall. Hordes of these dormant treasures arrive in September, so a visit now to your local garden center is both timely and necessary. Speaking with a Certified Professional Horticulturist about your needs can help make your bulbaceous dreams a reality. Always remember that bulbs are super easy! Choosing the right ones for the right garden locations and then caring for them properly can bring you years of reliable spring color.
Remember, leaves up and roots down…
