How to Plant Bulbs in Spring for Summer Flowers

Spring is a good time to start planning a summer garden. Purchase and plant bulbs in the spring to enjoy summer blooming flowers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Summer-flowering bulbs

1. Select and prepare the area in which you wish to plant summer-blooming bulbs. The soil should be well drained and receive direct sunlight for best results.

2. Purchase the desired bulbs in the spring, prior to planting. Summer blooming bulbs include amaryllis, begonia, gladiolus, calla lilies and dahlias.

3. Decide on the bulbs' placement, putting the taller flowers in back of shorter blooms.

4. Plant bulbs in the spring after the last frost. Dig holes in the dirt to the appropriate depth for each bulb (two or three times the length of the bulb) and plant with the tapered neck pointing up. Place bulbs in groups for a fuller look, or spaced apart to see individual blooms.

5. Cover the bulbs with soil and water thoroughly. Bulbs that bloom in the summer require a great deal of water right after they are planted. For best results, make sure the soil is constantly kept moist.

Tips & Warnings

• Bulbs that have begun to sprout can still be planted and will bloom. Summer blooming flowers also make great cut flowers or container flowers. To plant in containers, follow the above steps, placing the bulbs in soil in containers rather than in the ground.
• If you live in planting Zones 1 or 2, you may need to pull the bulbs at the end of the fall season and store them indoors for the winter. Dig up the bulbs and shake off any soil attached to them. Allow them to air dry for several days, then store in a cool, dry and well ventilated area.

References

• American Meadows