Information on How & Best Time to Plant Flower Bulbs

Plant plump, healthy looking, mold-free flower bulbs.

A general rule of thumb is to plant bulbs three times deeper than the bulb itself. The best time to plant flower bulbs depends on the type of bulb and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone you live in.

Begin with the Ground Work

Good, compost-enriched soil is the key to large flowers.

Prepare the soil before you plant the bulbs, according to the University of Illinois. Improve drainage and soil fertility by adding organic matter, such as compost, to the soil.

Spring Planted Bulbs

It is OK if the bulbs have started sprouting. Do not break this sprout off.

Once the last frost in your area has passed, plant tender bulbs, such as tuberous begonia, dahlia, canna, calla lily and caladium, in the garden. A month before the last frost is the best time to plant gladiolus corms, according to the University of Missouri.

Fall Planted Bulbs

Plant tulip bulbs in the fall for spring blooms.

Plant hardy bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocus and hyacinth in later fall once the ground temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, according to North Carolina State University. Use a soil thermometer to find out the ground temperature. Mail-order bulbs usually arrive at the correct planting time.

References

• Clemson University: Spring-Flowering Bulbs
• University of Missouri: Summer Flowering Bulbs: Gladiolus
• North Carolina State University: Hints for Fall-Planted Spring and Early Summer Flowering Bulbs
• Ohio State University: Summer Flowering Bulbs
• University of Illinois: Selection, Planting and Care of Bulbs

Resources

• "The Bulb Expert"; D. G. Hessayon; 1995
• "The Complete Practical Handbook of Garden Bulbs"; Kathleen Brown; 2009
• "Summer-Blooming Bulbs"; Beth Hanson; 2001
• "Spring Bulbs"; Geoff Stebbings; 2005
• "Taylor's Guides to Bulbs"; Barbara W. Ellis; 2001