Should you plant bulbs in spring or fall? Gardeners reveal best times for better blooms

bulb flower Known for their ease of care, long life and ability to reproduce underground – meaning more flowers every year without much effort. Needless to mention, they are hardy, thrive in pots and containers, and offer Beautiful colors to make your garden attractiveHowever, knowing when to plant bulbs can be a challenge.

Ahead, we’ll detail everything you need to know about planting bulbs in spring or fall.

Should you plant bulbs in spring or fall?

This will depend on the type of flowers you are planting. According to Jenny Rose Carey, garden teacher, speaker and author of three books for Timber Press, you can plant some bulbs in the spring after the soil has warmed up. These bulbs will bloom in summer or autumn. And a separate set of bulbs should be planted in the fall, which will survive the cold temperatures. These will bloom in late winter and spring.

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Why should you plant bulbs in the fall?

Spring blooming bulbs are planted in the fall. Plant these bulbs in the fall when daytime temperatures drop to 60 degrees or below – which should be October, November or even December in some areas and USDA zones.

• The roots of the bulb need to develop. “The popular bulbs you see blooming in the spring, like tulips, daffodils, crocus and hyacinths, need time to develop roots before the ground freezes,” says Peggy Anne Montgomery, flower bulb horticulturist. fall planted bulbs This is the time to establish roots before winter, preparing them for strong spring growth.
• You want daffodils in the spring. These bulbs usually require a few weeks of cool weather to flower. For example, Carey says some daffodils require about 10 weeks of cool weather.
• You want more spring flowers. Montgomery says a proper chilling period ensures more vibrant, healthy flowers in the spring. “Plus, cooler weather means fewer weeds and pests to fight—so, less
  Competing for your time.”
• Autumn bulbs take care of themselves. Once planted, most bulbs take care of themselves through the winter and emerge as a beautiful surprise when the weather warms.
• It is easier to plant trees in the fall. As the weather cools, it becomes less hot and uncomfortable to dig in the soil to plant these bulbs.

What types of bulbs should you plant in the fall

These are some of the flowering bulbs you can plant in the fall.

• Daffodils: These are the easiest bulbs to plant in the fall, and Daffodils come in a dazzling array of varietiesCarey says they rarely disturb the animals while browsing. And with adequate sunlight and water during the growing season they will grow year after year.
• Tulip: They are perfect for growing in containers on your deck or balcony. And the colors, shapes and sizes are very diverse. “If you plant them in the ground, among rocks or covered with small gravel, they may come back for a few years,” says Carey.
• Snow Drops: Just plant them a few inches deep and you’ll have a beautiful bloom in the spring. However, if you have burrowing animals, use some chicken wire over the flower bed to reduce digging, says Carey.
• Grape Hyacinth: They come in blue, white, or pink vase-shaped flowers clustered on stems. These are easy to grow and are another variety that thrives well in containers, says Carey.
• Allium: UConn-certified Advanced Master Gardener Janice Sniffin says these bloom beautifully after the good cold of winter and provide an early burst of color when the garden is waking up. “They are reliable, easy to apply and foolproof if you follow the basic steps.”
• crocus: Plant these in addition to snowdrops for a diverse spring bulb garden. “You can even plant them together in the same hole,” says Carey. Both flowers prefer only a few inches of soil, and These flowers are not attractive to deer,
• Iris: Often, they are early bloomers that bring a burst of color after a little more flowering.

Can you still plant bulbs in spring?

Yes, you can plant summer and fall flowering bulbs in the spring once the soil has warmed.

“These bulbs do not require refrigeration,” says Montgomery. Therefore, they will perform best when planted after danger of frost has passed.

What types of bulbs should you plant in spring?

Here are some tips for planting flowering bulbs in spring.

• Dahlias: They need warm soil to thrive, so wait until frost is completely gone. Dahlias come in all different colors and sizes and fun shapes, says Carey.
• Cannes: If you’re looking for a tropical look with large leaves and brightly colored flowers, Carey suggests growing cannas. But be careful, they need plenty of water when they are growing.
• Gladioli: These flowers add height with their vertical stems and really brightly colored flowers. “Plant a few plants each week, otherwise they’ll all bloom at the same time,” Carey advises.
• Begonias: Begonias are great for container gardens Or window boxes. Carey says there are many types of begonias and not all of them grow from bulbs, but those that do are worth adding to your containers.
• Calla lilies: Montgomery recommends these flowers because they are beautiful, easy-to-care plants that thrive in sunny beds or containers.
• Anemones: These flowers come in a variety of colors and provide color throughout the summer when planted in the spring, Sniffin says.
• Summer Allium: Sniffin says these summer versions don’t require cool dormancy like the early bulbs.

Tips for Planting Bulbs in Fall

Follow these expert tips.

• Give it a try, even if you are a beginner. It is easier to plant bulbs in the fall because there are fewer weeds and garden pests to worry about. And it’s so rewarding when the flowers bloom in the spring, says Carey, you’ll be so glad you took the time.
• Plant trees at appropriate depth. Look at the height of the bulb and dig about three times the depth for your hole, says Carey. “Remember to plant bulbs with the pointed end down – if in doubt – plant on the edge.”
• Buy from a reputable nursery. These organizations are more likely to have healthy bulbs. “But always check that your bulbs are strong, not broken or with their protective skin peeled off – just like you would when buying onions,” says Sniffin.
• Choose a location with good drainage: Bulbs don’t like to sit in wet soil, says Montgomery. You don’t want to dive your bulbs before they bloom.
• sprinkle a little bone meal into the hole:This is optional, but it gives the bulbs a strong start, Sniffin says.
• Plan your layout: Think about how you can arrange your bulbs according to height and bloom time so you can enjoy continuous color, Sniffin says.