5 Bulbs to Plant in Your Fall Garden to Bloom in Spring
Getting a jump start on the season is smart gardening so when spring arrives your garden will have an array of beautiful flower blooms. Now is the right time ( September to November) to plant bulbs while the soil is still warm. ( below 60°F in late fall or about 6 weeks before a hard frost is expected). This early planting will also encourage root establishment before the winter months set in, there is just something with that color pop that makes a bold statement with the arrival of spring.
Spring Bulbs Quick facts
1. Dig each hole at the recommended height, the hole should be at least dug at the required width, bulbs can be planted one at a time but it’s also best to install bulbs in groups for a greater impact.
2. When installing bulbs the pointed part should be in the upward position with the roots pointing down, if you can’t figure out which is the top from the bottom plant the bulb on its side.
3. Once your bulbs are in the ground be very careful while back-filling the hole with soil. Now lightly compress the soil, the reason for this is to encourage the root system to grow.
4. To stimulate root growth and to fill air pockets water right away, during the winter months it’s not necessary to water your bulbs except for an area or environment with low precipitation during winter time or arid climate.
How to Plant Fall Bulbs
Fall Bulbs can be planted just about anywhere in your garden, ensure however that the soil drains well in these areas. Give your bulbs plenty of sunlight, especially for those that bloom in early to mid-spring.
When it comes to soil preparation remove weeds, debris, and rocks, the planting area (soil) should also be dug so it can be loose and workable. If the planting bed you are working with is not already established add organic matter for example compost, leaves, lawn clippings, saw dust, animal manure, or a slow-release fertilizer. The soil in the planting bed should be lossen to a depth of at least 8″.
- Planting Flower Bulbs in Clusters: For an impact that’s really amazing plant bulbs in clusters instead of planting them alone or by themselves
- How to Install Bulbs: Bulbs that are shorter at maturity should be planted in front while taller bulbs should be installed at the rare
- Mixing Things Up a bit: By mixing things up a bit you can create an amazing color pop, this technique can also extend the season providing longer periods of bloom. Plant mid-and late-season blooms together which will create a colorful display
End-of-Season Care of Bulbs during the Spring & Summer
- How to Fertilize Your Bulbs: Bulbs that are coming into their second year spread a slow-release bulb fertilizer or compost over the top soil
- Pruning Methods for Bulbs: Once the flower bloom period has ended remove the flower heads but not the foliage or leaves. Bulbs will use their foliage to produce and store nutrients for growth the following season. When the foliage turns yellow or brown cut them back to ground level
The Best Flowering Bulbs to Buy in the Fall
1. Daffodils
Daffodils will fit well into your garden because these bulbs are resistant to deer, chipmunks, and squirrels. The planting location of daffodils should be full sunlight to partial shade but giving them full sunlight will cause daffodils to bloom their best. The bulbs should be planted 2-4 weeks before the ground freezes, The soil type should be moist and rich with a pH of slightly acidic to neutral. During the spring and fall months give your daffodils regular watering, once the flowers fade discontinue watering for a month.
Daffodils will bloom even if you don’t fertilize but if the soil type you are growing your daffodils in is poor then applying bone meal or bulb plant food in the top few inches of soil will help greatly. This procedure should be done when the first leaf appears and again when the daffodils flower.
2. Hyacinth
Hyacinth comes in so many different colors, this spring beauty produces some of the most intense fragrances. The flowers of the hyacinth bulb will put on a show for you and can be planted in the shade but perform better in a sunny location where larger flowers and straighter stems are encouraged. A well-drained loamy fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal if the soil must be amended, then amend with a few inches of mature compost.
Don’t overwater because hyacinth doesn’t like wet feet, only apply water if the soil is dry at a depth of 3 inches, to encourage flower blooms and a healthy plant. Fertilize hyacinth with 5 tbsp of 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer.
3. Crocus
Crocus are low-growing beautiful bulbs that produce an abundance of gorgeous flower blooms in so many colors, these garden beauties can be planted in the full sun or partial sun. Crocus prefers well-drained neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
During the growing season ensure crocus receive the equivalent of a half-inch to one inch of water per week, hold off on watering them during the summer months or when they go dormant because rot may set in. Crocus do not require much fertilizing, the energy of this bulb is stored in their corms so avoid the removal or cutting back the leaves until they turn yellow. If the soil you’re working with is poor then adding bulb food or bone meal during the fall months is ideal.
4. Persian Buttercup
The Persian buttercup is popular for being used as cut flowers in wedding bouquets and floral arrangements, this bulb produces beautiful flower blooms. Persian Buttercup needs about 6 hours of sunlight to thrive, sunlight is needed to encourage flower and foliage growth. Persian buttercup grows best in well-drained loamy or sandy soils with a slightly acidic pH.
If you’re working with heavy clay soils amend it with compost or plant in a raised bed garden, Persian Buttercups don’t like wet feet so only water when the soil begins to dry out. Fertilize your Persian Buttercup after the flowers wither, fertilizers that are rich in phosphorus or potassium are ideal. Make sure to read the directions on the fertilizer label before applying.
5. Fritillaria Imperial Crown
The fritillaria imperial crown is striking producing unique flowers that are so beautiful, this bulb is a show stopper and is sure to get the attention of anyone. Although fritillaria can survive in light shade the ideal location is an area that gets the full sun. The right soil type is rich well-drained sandy loam soil with a neutral soil pH.
Water well in the fall once bulbs are planted and during the spring months when the plants are growing actively, about an inch of water per week is sufficient. Most fritillaria once dormant prefer dry conditions. At least once a year apply about 1 tablespoon of balanced granular fertilizer around each bulb after plants have bloomed. To avoid damage to the plant’s tissues keep the fertilizer about 2 inches from the stem.
Additional Information
- Applying mulch to the planting area will retain moisture, suppress weeds, and eliminate or reduce heaving from wintertime freezing and thawing
- Water bulbs again before the ground freezes, the winter time is when a bulb’s root system is developed
- Remember not to over water which can lead to bulb rot
- In southern locations apply another application of water in late December or early January if the weather has been very dry
- Discontinue watering until the flower buds first appear on the plant in the spring. As the bulbs start to grow during the spring months apply water once a week especially if they are producing flowers.
- When watering avoid wetting the flowers, water at ground level with a soaker hose, bulbs should be watered deeply
- Soils that are poor need some help sprinkling a granular fertilizer after planting will help, the fertilizer that’s chosen should be fairly low in nitrogen. For example, a 9-6-6 fertilizer is ideal to dress around the bulbs. Applying fertilizer to the planting hole will brun bulbs so avoid this practice
Where to Install Bulbs
Here are just a few ideas about where to plant bulbs
- Bulbs can be planted in garden beds
- Can be used as a border plant
- How about planting bulbs in containers
- Plant bulbs in colorful masses along a white picket fence
- Install colorful bulbs in masses along a drive or walkway
- In masses along a wall that’s bear
- Near a pond
- How about around your pool
The final word on spring bulbs to plant in the fall
Getting your spring bulbs ready for next season by planting them now is a great move, I love bulbs they are some of my favorite plants that can bring that color pop adding much flavor to your garden and landscapes. My opinion of flowering bulbs is they are so unique making a bold statement. These show stoppers are a must for your spring garden so go ahead and plant them now. You will be greatly rewarded.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
I absolutely love this blog post on getting a jump start on the gardening season by planting bulbs in the fall! It’s filled with valuable information and tips that any gardening enthusiast, whether a beginner or experienced, can benefit from.
The author makes a compelling case for early planting, emphasizing the importance of planting bulbs in September to November while the soil is still warm. This not only ensures that your garden will burst with vibrant blooms come spring but also promotes strong root establishment before the harsh winter months set in. I couldn’t agree more with the idea that there’s something truly magical about the burst of color that spring bulbs bring to a garden. It’s like nature’s way of announcing the arrival of a new season.
The quick facts provided in the blog are particularly helpful. They simplify the planting process and offer a handy reference guide for readers. From digging holes at the recommended depth and width to ensuring the correct orientation of bulbs, these practical tips make the task of planting bulbs seem less daunting.
I appreciate the emphasis on soil preparation and the importance of good drainage and sunlight for bulbs. It’s clear that the author cares deeply about the success of their readers’ gardens and wants to ensure they have all the information needed for a bountiful display.
The advice on planting bulbs in clusters and mixing different varieties for a stunning color display is a fantastic idea. It not only creates a visually appealing garden but also extends the bloom season, providing enjoyment for a longer period.
Finally, the end-of-season care tips, including fertilization and pruning, show that the author is committed to helping readers maintain their gardens for the long term. This holistic approach to gardening is both practical and thoughtful.
In conclusion, this blog post is a goldmine of gardening wisdom, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their gardening skills and create a stunning spring display. Kudos to the author for sharing such valuable insights!
Thank you so much for your generous comments, I appreciate it, my goal is to ensure that there is always success in the garden no matter what you are planting!!