Fall Bulbs: Plant Now for a Vibrant Spring

Nothing says “spring” like a garden blooming with cheerful, colorful bulbs. Easy to grow, these beauties offer years of enjoyment for just a few moments of planting each fall. Visit us in-store for personalized guidance on choosing the perfect bulbs for your garden’s needs!

Planning Your Display

For a vibrant, lasting spring display, stagger your bulbs to bloom across the months. With careful planning, you can enjoy color from February through June. Here’s a general timeline to help you organize:

Very Early (~February)

  • Snowdrops, Winter Aconites, Dwarf Iris Species (VL)

Early (~March)

  • Kaufmanniana Tulips, Anemone Blanda, Grape Hyacinth (VL-L)

Mid-Season (~April/May)

  • Triumph Tulips, Small Cupped Narcissus, Darwin Hybrid Tulips (M-H)

Late (~May/June)

  • Parrot Tulips, Double Late Tulips, Cottage Tulips, Allium Aflantunense (M-VH)

Very Late (~June)

  • Dutch Iris, Allium Moly, Allium Giganteum (M-VH)

For maximum impact, plant bulbs in groupings of 3, 5, 7, or even 12+ to achieve stunning, vibrant displays.

Companion Planting

Combine bulbs with perennials or shrubs for enhanced beauty and an extended bloom season. Here are a few tried-and-true combinations:

  • Bulb with Companion Shrub

    • Winter Aconite + Contorted Filbert
    • Yellow Daffodil + Bush Roses

  • Bulb with Companion Perennial

    • Chionodoxa + White Arabis
    • Allium + ‘Rozanne’ Geranium

Color Combinations

For a harmonious display, consider the color wheel:

  • Monochromatic: Different shades of a single color (e.g., blues) for a soft, romantic look.
  • Analogous: Adjacent colors on the wheel for depth and richness.
  • Complementary: Opposite colors for bold, striking drama.

How to Plant Your Bulbs

  • Depth: Plant bulbs about 2.5 to 3 times their width, or approximately 3” deep for small bulbs like snowdrops.
  • Drainage: Well-drained soil is essential. Add sand to improve drainage and encourage strong root development.
  • Containers: Layer bulbs in pots for an extended bloom period. Start with tulips and daffodils at 6” deep, add soil, then plant hyacinths or narcissus, and finish with smaller bulbs like crocus near the surface.

Naturalizing Bulbs

Naturalizing bulbs are ideal for carefree beauty. They’ll spread and bloom on their own each year in suitable spots, like under ornamental trees or shrubs. Great choices include:

  • Very Early: Crocus, Scilla, Snowdrops
  • Early: Muscari, Anemone Blanda
  • Mid-Season: Fritillarias
  • Very Late: Alliums

Forcing Bulbs

For indoor enjoyment or holiday gifts, force bulbs like Paperwhites and Hyacinths. Begin 4-6 weeks before you want blooms, ideally in mid-November for Christmas flowers. Keep bulbs in a cool, bright spot, and ensure water only reaches the root zone to avoid rot.

Common Bulb Terms

  • Bulb: Compressed leaves storing nutrients (e.g., tulips).
  • Corm: Swollen stem base, similar to bulbs (e.g., crocus).
  • Tuber: Fleshy, nutrient-rich stem outgrowth with no basal plate (e.g., dahlias).
  • Rhizome: Horizontal stems that root and shoot from their surface (e.g., irises).

Ready to Plant Your Dream Spring Garden?

Stop by our store to explore a range of bulbs, from early crocus to dramatic alliums. Our team can help you create a stunning garden display tailored to your preferences and location. We’re here to help you plant for success!