| Best planting time as per growing region | |
|---|---|
| Zone 2 (-50 to -40°F) | early September |
| Zone 3 (-40 to -30°F) | mid September |
| Zone 4 (-30 to -20°F) | late September to early October |
| Zone 5 (-20 to -10°F) | late September to early October |
| Zone 6 (-10 to 0°F) | mid October |
| Zone 7 (0 to 10°F) | beginning of november |
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If you’re in Zone 3 and you missed the optimal deadline for planting your spring bulbs, are you doomed for next season? Montgomery says probably not.
Although these timeframes outline the best time to plant spring bulbs, they can be viewed as a general guideline. In fact, she says that her own husband (who is also a horticulturist) regularly plants his spring bulbs later than the recommended time (as late as December in his zone 7 garden), and always with excellent results.
So if you’re in a growing zone where you should have planted your spring bulbs in September, don’t be afraid to play a little catch-up in October. One great thing about spring bulbs is how resilient and low-maintenance they are.
How to Plant Spring Bulbs Like a Pro
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Planting spring bulbs is a relatively straightforward process. However, Montgomery has some tips to help you get the most from your early spring garden, and it all comes down to proper installation of bulbs,
This includes preparing the soil, keeping the right distance, planting at the right depth, watering, fertilizing and mulching.
prepare the soil
According to Montgomery, it’s always a good idea to add compost or organic matter to your soil before planting to improve drainage and boost available nutrients.
Bulbs need well-drained soil to grow, so heavy clay soils need to be well amended. Standard garden soil is sufficient for tulip and daffodil bulbs, but some extra drainage can never hurt.
Plant depth and distance
As a general rule, plant bulbs three times deeper than their length, says Montgomery. For example, if a bulb is two inches tall, it should be planted six inches deep. This helps ensure that the plants are secure in the ground and prevents animals from digging up the shallow bulbs.
“Always plant bulbs with the pointed end upward,” says Montgomery. “If it doesn’t have a pointed end, plant it anyway. It will grow upward on its own.”
The differences between bulbs are more objective. Some growers like to plant bulbs in straight lines (especially if you’re growing flowers for harvest), while others like to plant bulbs in groups for a more natural look.
Regardless of how you decide to plant them, make sure your tulip and daffodil bulbs are spaced about 3 inches to 6 inches apart, says Montgomery. Small bulbs such as snowdrops and crocus can be planted closer.
water well
After planting, water thoroughly to help the soil compact well around the bulbs. After that, Montgomery says regular rainfall should be enough to maintain the bulbs as they acclimate and begin to develop roots.
However, if you live in a particularly dry area or are experiencing a prolonged drought, supplemental watering is a good idea. Spring bulbs need a deep watering every two weeks in the fall.
fertilization
Fertilizer is not required, but can be beneficial to ensure the best blooms in spring. However, using correct fertilizer It is necessary. According to Montgomery, organic bulb fertilizer is best.
“Regular fertilizers won’t cut it; bulbs have unique nutrient needs,” she says. “For best results, apply organic bulb fertilizer at planting time in the fall and again after flowering in the spring.”
mulching
Finally, according to Montgomery, applying a layer of mulch after planting can help retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. If you are planting bulbs in a lawn, there is no need to add mulch as the surrounding grass will protect the bulbs and retain moisture.
