FLOWER BULBS 101: What exactly is a flower bulb?

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What in the world is a flower bulb?

To put it simply, flower bulbs are neatly bundled packages that are uniquely programmed with everything they need to grow and bloom on their own. They can be planted just about anywhere – your favorite containers, window boxes, garden borders, around trees and some can even be forced to bloom indoors!

Flower bulbs are self-sufficient which makes them super easy to grow. Not only does this give them the upper hand over conventional plants, you get more bang for your buck when planting them. Definitely a win win!

There are three main categories of flower bulbs – ‘fall’ flower bulbs, ‘spring’ flower bulbs and ‘indoor’ forcing flower bulbs.

With just the right game plan, spring blooms (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, allium, muscari, fritillaria, snowdrops) can flow into summer blooms (lilies, dahlias, gladiolus, peonies, begonias, caladiums, cannas, callas, elephant ears) into fall blooms (spider lilies, autumn crocus) into indoor blooms (amaryllis, paperwhites, narcissus, hyacinths) to keep us happy until spring again!

‘Fall’ flower bulbs are planted in the fall (when you start seeing mums, pansies, jack o’ lanterns and your yard is full of leaves), ideally after the first freeze in your area. They hibernate during the winter, wake up and bloom in the spring. When the first pops of color peek through the snow, everyone knows spring is near!

‘Spring’ flower bulbs are planted in the spring when all freeze warnings have passed. This category loves the heat and most varieties will not survive the cold winter temperatures. Spring flower bulbs provide color all summer long – some until the first frost in fall!

‘Indoor’ forcing flower bulbs brighten the gloomy winter months and will coordinate with anyone’s decorating style. They are extremely versatile and can grow in potting soil, on top of rocks or decorative stones and even with just their roots touching water! Nothing beats watching these beauties grow and bloom in your home or any other indoor space!

Believe it or not, there are numerous societies, organizations and research programs with the world’s top horticulturists that are continuously dedicated to promoting flower bulb gardening and discovering what makes the flower bulb the happiest. The findings are always evolving. Pretty spiffy, huh?

If you haven’t realized it already, a flower bulb is a prized little treasure box just waiting to show out in your containers, landscape or even in your indoor spaces. It is unbelievable how many different types there are to choose from! Who doesn’t love a huge selection? Let’s get to planting!