Planting Fall Bulbs for Spring Color

Now is the time to plant your bulbs for dramatic spring color! You want to do this when temperatures are cooler and before the ground freezes so this adds to October’s gardening list of to do’s. Daffodils, Tulips, and Hyacinth to name a few are such a wonderful way to welcome spring during March, April, and May!

Design Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Bulbs:

  • Plan first, plant second (consider ideal bloom time and desired height)
  • Choose a sunny site
  • Use only two or three colors and stick to the same type of bulb (for the most color impact!)
  • Avoid planting in single rows or one bulb alone, plant in masses of 40 or more (these crowded clusters give the most dramatic effect!)
  • Till soil, plant (root side down) approximately 6-8″ deep for Tulips and Daffodils (depths vary based on bulb type)
  • Incorporate a bulb fertilizer
  • Water bulbs after planting and during dry spells

There are a couple of different tools that you can use to plant. There are hand held bulb planters, long planters you can use while standing, or you can use just a simple shovel.

Bertha will demonstrate how easy it is to plant bulbs!

Daffodils are deer and rabbit resistent so, they are an excellent choice for bulbs. They have the best return rate for year after year spring color. Hyacinth are great by a front door because they are fragrant.

Don’t forget about planting your pansies after you plant your bulbs. These make for nice color going into the winter months but, the best part is the great splash of color during the spring months before you plant your summer annuals. The two layer effect of the bulbs and pansies are incredible!

This entry was posted in Annuals & Perennials