FALL BULBS 101: The Basics

Even though it’s August and it feels as though spring is eons away, now is the perfect opportunity to plan your spring garden. What better time to start jotting down a wish list of your favorites than now while you are trying to escape these sweltering summer temperatures?!

What are fall bulbs?

Fall bulbs are bulbs planted ahead in fall for blooms that appear in spring! These easy to grow favorites include anemone, allium, chionodoxa, crocus, daffodils, dutch iris, fritillaria, hyacinths, muscari, narcissus and tulips - just to name a few!

Fall bulbs are hitting your local big box and club stores now in the northern United States and will gradually filter into the middle then southern states. 

1. When to plant?
2. Where do you want to plant?
3. How to plant?

When to plant fall bulbs?

Fall bulbs should be planted in the fall before the first frost hardens the soil. Fall bulbs require a ‘cooling’ period in the ground for peak performance in spring.

Where do you want to plant?

Fall planted bulbs are so versatile! The possibilities are endless. Plant underneath fall annuals (like mums and pansies) in containers and borders. The bulbs will grow and bloom above the annuals in spring, creating a beautiful combination of textures and color! Check plant heights in planning your spring blooming borders – shorter heights up front and taller heights in back. Select varieties with different bloom times for a show all spring.

How to plant?

The bulb packaging will have key information like ‘planting depth’ and ‘plant spacing’. Dig a hole and loosen the soil to the depth specified on your package. Place the bulb in the hole and cover with soil, being very careful not to plant too deep. Water at planting and mulch in extreme climates. Just DIG, DROP and you are DONE! Pretty simple, huh?!