Bulbs
HOW & WHEN TO PLANT
BULBS
By Linda Hagen
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Photo by: Ben Schonewille / Shutterstock.
Bulbs are little packets of flower power that make
us wait weeks, sometimes months, for results —
but boy, are they worth it. The term “bulb” often
refers not only to true bulbs, but also plants with
tuberous roots, tubers, corms, and rhizomes; the
information here can be applied to all of these.
With a little basic knowledge, anyone can grow
beautiful bulbs.
On this page:
TYPES OF BULBS
PLANTING BULBS
DIGGING & STORING BULBS
HELPFUL HINTS
BUYING BULBS
TYPES OF BULBS
Bulbs can be separated into two main types:
spring and summer.
Spring bulbs: Also called hardy bulbs, these
bulbs are planted in fall, spend winter in the
ground, and flower in spring. Some of the more
common spring bulbs are tulips, irises, daffodils,
hyacinth, allium and crocus. These bulbs need
several weeks of cold temperatures to break their
dormancy and flower to their full potential. (See
more: Spring Bulbs.)
Summer bulbs: Also called tender bulbs, these
bulbs are planted in spring and flower or leaf out
in summer. Gladiolus, lilies, caladiums, and
elephant ears are common examples of summer
bulbs. Some will bloom later in summer or for a
longer time, like dahlias that bloom into fall. (See
more: Summer Bulbs.)
Summer bulbs aren't tolerant of cold
temperatures and should only be planted after
the ground warms up and there's no longer a
threat of frost. If purchased before planting time,
store them in a cool, dry spot until planting.
PLANTING BULBS
WHEN TO PLANT BULBS
Zones 4 to 7: In colder climates, spring-flowering
bulbs can be planted as soon as the ground is
cool, evening temperatures average 40° to 50°F,
and it is at least 6 to 8 weeks before the ground
freezes. If timed right, this should be as soon as
possible after purchase. However, bulbs can be
stored in the refrigerator if needed until planting.
(See Helpful Hints below for more information on
storing bulbs in the refrigerator.)
Summer-flowering bulbs should be planted in mid
to late spring.
Zones 8 to 10: In warmer climates, spring-
flowering bulbs will need to be chilled in the
refrigerator for 6 to 10 weeks (depending on the
bulb) until the ground cools enough for planting.
(See Helpful Hints below for more information on
storing bulbs in the refrigerator.)
Summer-flowering bulbs can be planted early to
mid-spring.
Photo by: Olga Ponomarenko / Shutterstock.
Average planting times for spring bulbs:
September to October — Zones 4 and 5
October to early November — Zones 6 and 7
November to early December — Zones 8 and 9
Late December to early January — Zone 10
Average planting times for summer bulbs:
Late March to May — Zones 8 to 10
May to June — Zones 4 to 7
WHERE TO PLANT BULBS
As long as you ensure that your bulbs have good
drainage and sunlight, you can plant them just
about anywhere. Drainage is critical to keep
bulbs from rotting. They like loamy or slightly
sandy soil because it provides the drainage and
nutrients they need.
Early-spring bloomers can be planted under
deciduous trees where they’ll get enough sun to
bloom before the tree's leaves block out the light.
However, they'll only bloom well the first year, as
they'll need sunlight later in the season for the
leaves to gather enough energy for next year's
flowers.
PLAN BEFORE YOU PLANT
Bulbs can be grown in many ways — formal
gardens, meadow gardens, scattered in lawns,
under trees, or strategically planted throughout
beds and borders. Many bulbs will naturalize in
an area and multiply, coming back year after
year, so plan carefully and you can have years of
enjoyment from one planting.
Plant in clusters for greater visual impact.
Take into account bloom time — plant a
combination of early, mid- and late-season
bloomers to extend the season.
Hide dying foliage of low-growing bulbs that are
past their prime with taller bulbs planted in
front or with companion plants.
Layer plant heights from front to back when
planting varieties that will bloom at the same
time.
Many bulbs are perfect for container planting —
bring them into view when blooming and move
out of the way when foliage is wilting and when
dormant. Plant closer together in containers
than specified for in-ground planting.
Bulbs can provide bright, vibrant color — think
about how those colors will blend with their
surroundings.
Companion plants keep the planting area going
when bulbs are dormant. Some good perennial
companions are sedum, coreopsis, thyme,
cranesbill, daylilies, coral bells, brunnera, hosta,
hellebores, or bleeding heart.
HOW TO PLANT BULBS
Bulbs can be planted in layers by digging up an
entire area down to the proper depth, placing the
bulbs and covering; or in individual holes dug for
each bulb. Individual planting is made easier with
a bedding plant auger (pictured).
Twist 'n Plant gardening auger. Photo by: Proven Winners.
1. Determine the planting depth for the
type of bulb you’re planting. If planted
too deep, flowers will bloom late or not
at all. If planted too shallow, new growth
may become exposed too soon and risk
damage by cold temperatures. If you are
unsure of the exact planting depth, a
good general rule of thumb is to plant the
bulb 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is
tall.
2. Prepare the soil by loosening and mixing
in organic material if needed for added
nutrients or to improve drainage. Special
bulb fertilizer can be added; follow the
package directions.
3. Place the bulbs with the pointy-end up
and with the roots down. If you’re not sure
of the top or bottom of the bulb, plant it
on its side and it will find its way to the
surface.
4. Cover with soil and a light layer of mulch.
5. Newly planted bulbs should be watered
well to get settled in.
6. If needed, protect bulbs from critters by
staking down wire mesh or chicken wire
over the beds or planting them in bulb
baskets or wire cages.
LASAGNA PLANTING
Not only good for Sunday dinner, lasagna
(planting) is great for bulbs. The idea is to plant
bulbs with different sizes and staggered bloom
times in layers for a continual bloom. This works
great in large containers that are deep and wide
enough. Here’s a sample plan, working from the
bottom up in a container:
Planting a Layered Bulb
Pot
A good layer of potting soil for a planting depth
of about 8 inches
A few late-spring-blooming bulbs such as
daffodils or tulips
Another layer of potting soil for a planting
depth of about 6 inches
Add mid-spring-blooming bulbs such as more
tulips or hyacinth
Another layer of potting soil for a planting
depth of about 4 inches
Add early-blooming bulbs such as galanthus,
scilla, muscari or crocus
Another layer of potting soil for a planting
depth of about 2 inches
Add more early-blooming bulbs such as freesia
or anemones
Top with more potting soil and a thin layer of
mulch
Overplant with pansies, heuchera, hardy
cyclamen or dusty miller if you’d like a filler while
waiting for the bulbs to grow.
This planting method can be used in-ground as
well for a concentrated area planting. It can also
be adjusted to fewer layers in smaller pots.
AFTER-CARE AND DIGGING
UP BULBS
For all bulbs, after blooming, cut only the flower
stem back. Leave foliage intact until it turns
yellow and wilts to the ground; the leaves are
gathering and storing energy for next year. If the
foliage is cut back too soon, bulbs may not
perform well—or at all—the following year.
Spring bulbs: In warmer climates bulbs that
require chilling can be dug up and stored until
pre-chilling time the following fall. For colder
climates, they can stay in the ground. Many will
multiply and return year after year.
Summer bulbs: In warmer climates, bulbs can
be left in the ground with a layer of mulch in
winter to protect and insulate them. In colder
climates, they'll need to be dug up and stored
until the following spring.
DIGGING UP BULBS
Cut any remaining stems and foliage back to a
couple inches above the soil level.
Loosen the soil around the bulbs carefully and
remove them.
Shake as much soil as possible from the bulb and
roots.
Spread them out on newspaper in a cool, shady
place and allow them to dry for a few days. Make
sure they are out of reach of animals and
children as some bulbs are poisonous.
Store in an aerated paper or mesh bag or
cardboard box with holes. You can add slightly
damp vermiculite or perlite so they don’t dry out
too much.
Store in a cool, dark, and dry location with
temperatures 50 to 60 degrees, such as a
basement or garage.
Check bulbs monthly for any signs of mold or
rot.
HELPFUL HINTS
Don’t store fruit (especially apples) or
vegetables in the refrigerator at the same time
bulbs are being stored or pre-chilled. They emit
ethylene gas that can kill the plant inside the
bulb.
Soil pH of 6 to 7 brings out better color in
blooming bulb flowers.
Plant bulbs in the same season they are
purchased, they won’t last until next year.
If bulbs are to be left in the ground while
dormant, place a marker so that you remember
where they are after you’ve cut the foliage back.
Bulbs need to breathe, so store them in aerated
paper or mesh bags, never in plastic.
BUYING BULBS
Here are a few tips to help you pick the best
bulbs:
Bulbs should feel firm to the touch, not soft or
spongy.
Choose bulbs that don’t have any signs of
disease, mold, or severe damage.
At the time of purchase, bulbs should show little
or no root growth or sprouting. Lilies are an
exception, as they often have fleshy roots
attached.
The old saying, you get what you pay for, holds
true with bulbs. Quality bulbs will make the
difference between lackluster blooming and an
impressive show.
ONLINE SOURCES:
Breck's
Spring Hill Nursery
Brent & Becky's
RELATED:
Spring-Flowering Bulbs to Grow
Best Summer Bulbs to Grow
7 Tips for Beautiful Bulb Garden Design
Deer-Resistant Bulbs
The Craft of Interplanting Bulbs
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