Tools and Materials
Types of Flower Bulbs
When shopping for bulbs it’s important to understand a few basics first. These terms help you decide the types of flower bulbs that are right for your garden:
Hardy Bulbs or Autumn Planting Bulbs
Hardy bulbs can survive winter in the ground and need the winter cold to grow properly. They typically flower in the early to late spring. In cold climates, plant hardy bulbs as soon as possible after purchase. In mild areas, plant in late October or early November after the soil cools.
If you need to store them before planting, keep them in a cool location. In warm-winter climates, you may need to pre-chill hardy bulbs before planting. Refrigerate them in a container with a lid for eight to 10 weeks.
Tender Bulbs or Spring Bulbs
Tender bulb is a broad classification for a variety of plants, that because of their delicate construction, won’t survive the winter cold. Most tender bulbs are called summer bulbs, meaning they bloom in the summer, but there are several — such as tuberoses and some dahlias — that bloom into the fall.
Perennial Bulbs
Benefit from all your hard work by choosing perennial bulbs. A perennial bulb produces flowers year after year without having to replant. Some varieties of perennial bulbs even multiply over the years.
When to Plant Bulbs
If you’re wondering when to start your spring bulb planting or are worried you missed the window, here are the best times to plant bulbs in the garden.
Spring, after the last frost, is the best time to plant tender bulbs like:
In the fall, plant hardy bulbs like:
- Tulips
- Irises
- Daffodils
- Hyacinths
- Crocuses
Choose bulbs that are large, firm and free of visible disease and damage. Don’t worry about a nick or small blemish but avoid soft or moldy bulbs.
Soil Prep for Planting of Bulbs
Cold-Weather Care for Flower Bulbs
In Southern coastal regions, the Southwest or coastal areas of California, a blanket of mulch should protect tender flower bulbs throughout the winter. In other areas of the country, dig up tender bulbs and replant them after the danger of frost.
Spring Flowering Bulb Bloom Timing
- Very early spring — crocuses, snowdrops
- Early spring — daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths
- Mid-spring — daffodils, fritillaries, tulip
- Late spring — fritillaries, bluebells, lilies
- Early summer — alliums, lilies, irises
- Mid-summer — lilies, gladiolus, dahlias, irises
- Late summer — lilies, dahlias
Watch Planting Tulips and Daffodils for ideas on beautifying your spring landscape.
Before beginning any excavation, call 811 to check for underground utilities.
Flower Bulb FAQs
How Do You Plant Tulip Bulbs?
Tulip bulbs are hardy bulbs, so they need to be planted in the fall. Plant them four to six inches deep and four to six inches apart. Plant tulip bulbs in groups for more visual appeal. Plop a dozen or more bulbs in a small circle or run a ribbon of them through an existing bed.
What Bulbs Can You Plant in Spring?
Spring is the perfect time to plant tender bulbs like gladioluses, dahlias, and caladiums.
How Do I Plan What Bulbs to Use for My Garden?
Consider timing. There are early, mid-, and late-blooming varieties of many flower bulbs. Include some of each to extend the season of bloom. Add more species to extend the season even further. Many tulips bloom after daffodils, and alliums can peak even later than that. By choosing flower bulbs that bloom consecutively, you’ll always have color in your garden.
How Do I Know If I Need to Store My Flower Bulbs?
Hardy bulbs can stay in the ground through the winter, but tender bulbs like dahlias need to be dug up if you live in an area where the ground freezes. Once you dig them up, they need to be stored in a temperature-controlled area and checked monthly to ensure they’re not drying or rotting.