Bulb Planting Guide
Flower bulbs are among the crowned jewels of the gardening world for many reasons. Not only do they bloom year after year, but they're also incredibly versatile and remarkably forgiving. They can be planted too deep, too shallow, upside-down - you name it. Hardly anything bothers these powerhouse plants! Planting flower bulbs is an outstanding investment, as they will spread and yield more flowers every year under the right conditions. The vibrant flowers and foliage flourish in borders, filling in gaps between other plants, and they also look great in containers. Simply check them to ensure they're firm before planting and are not moldy, mushy, or rotten. (Note: We ship bulbs in excellent, ready-to-plant condition. Take care to store them in a cool, dry place before planting.)
Planting Fall-Planted Bulbs (Spring Blooming)
Everyone talks about how fantastic fall is for planting flower bulbs, and they aren't wrong! Here are a few tips to ensure your gardening success:
● When to Plant - Fall-planted bulbs do best planted in the ground as the weather cools.. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however, as some fall-flowering bulbs need to be planted immediately. Those exceptions include Lycoris, Autumn Crocus, and Colchicum.
● How to Plant - Follow the directions on the package for planting depth, but three times deeper than they are tall is generally a good rule of thumb. Place the bulb in the ground with the pointy side up. While some have a root plate to make it obvious, others can be a bit more confusing, but don't worry because bulbs are very resilient and will usually figure it out. Your bulbs will enjoy a dose of fertilizer at planting time. Just incorporate it into the top layer of soil at the recommended rate, and water well after planting. (Water twice if you're gardening under dry conditions.)
● How to Keep Critters Away - If animals are threatening to turn your garden into a snack, show them the door with these helpful tips:
●Apply a granular repellent to the top of the soil after watering.
●Lay chicken wire or hardware cloth over the planting spot until they forget the soil is disturbed - typically a couple of weeks.
●Interplant critter-repellent bulbs, such as Alliums or Daffodils, with tried-and-true favorites to give them a better chance.
● Design Tips:
● Consider the bloom time of each plant and have a variety of bloom times so you can have color throughout the entire season.
● Try sprinkling bulbs around garden beds, planting them in large groups, or creating a visual effect with color groupings.
● It's always fun to tuck small bulbs in between pavers, within your lawn, or along walkways for little spring surprises!
● You can really express your unique personality through planting! Whether you're leaning towards a monochromatic aesthetic or something more bright and flashy, think about how you can mix colors and shapes to bring your unique vision to life.
● Don't forget to check out our bulb blends for pre-designed ideas!
Spring Planted Bulbs (Summer-Blooming) When most people think of flowering bulbs, visions of dazzling spring gardens come to mind, but many bulbs also provide stunning summer interest. These heat-loving plants thrive in beds, borders, containers, or hanging baskets, bringing ample color and texture all season. Here's what you need to know about planting summer bloomers:
● When to Plant - Plant summer-blooming bulbs after all danger of frost has passed.
● How to Plant - Follow the directions on the package for planting depth as well as sun and water requirements. Place the bulb in the ground with the roots down (it should be pretty obvious), and apply a granular slow-release fertilizer at root depth to keep your plants fed and happy. Water after planting, ensuring that you're following the moisture requirements of each plant.
● How to Keep the Color Coming - You can keep the flowers coming by deadheading or harvesting blooms for bouquets. You may also use a liquid fertilizer regularly throughout the growing season to encourage more growth.
● End-of-Season Care - Most summer-blooming bulbs are not winter hardy in colder regions, so gardeners can either leave them in the ground and treat them as annuals or lift and store them for the following year. Some species also make lovely houseplants!
● Design Tips When Planting Flower Bulbs:
● Don't overlook containers when planting your summer-blooming bulbs. It’s an easy way to add color to porches and patios or drop in bare spots in the landscape.
● Consider interplanting in gardens for season-long displays in sun or shade.
● Many types of summer-blooming bulbs make breathtaking additions to the cutting garden and can be planted in groups, rows, or simply sprinkled around.
