Spring Bulb Planting Guide

Tulips light up the spring garden.

Herald the arrival of spring with a beautiful show of flowering bulbs. Planting spring bulbs is a quick and easy fall task that guarantees a colorful flower show once the weather warms.

Types

Daffodils naturalize themselves, coming back year after year.

There are many varieties of spring-blooming bulbs from which to choose. According to North Carolina State University, some of the most popular flowering bulbs are tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Others include crocus, allium, fritillarias and scillas. In New Hampshire, some early flowering bulb favorites include Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis), Chionodoxa and grape hyacinth (Muscari).

Timeframe

Spring bulbs flower anywhere from late winter to early summer, depending on the species. In order to enjoy a spring flower show, you must plant bulbs in the fall. This gives bulbs time to develop a strong root system and provides them with winter chilling, which is necessary for many bulbs to flower well. Clemson University suggests you purchase bulbs while supplies are plentiful in September and October, but wait until soil temperatures are below 60 F to plant.

Planting Preparation

Bulbs tend to grow best in full-sun or part-shade in a well-draining location. Prepare the soil for planting by cultivating it well.

Planting

Dig a hole for each bulb that is three to four times as deep as the width of the bulb (measured at the base). Sprinkle in a slow-release complete fertilizer, according to package directions. Place the bulb in the hole and cover with soil. Top with 2 to 3 inches of mulch, which insulates the soil and protects the bulbs during the winter months.

References

• Clemson University: Spring-Flowering Bulbs
• North Carolina State University: Hints for Fall-Planted Spring and Early Summer Flowering Bulbs
• University of New Hampshire: Minor Bulbs are a Spring Delight

Resources

• University of Missouri: Spring Flowering Bulbs-Daffodils