Spring Bloom Basics

Tips for Planting Spring Bulbs

Spring-blooming bulbs are the perfect forward-looking flowers that require a lot of patience. These flowers bloom in the spring because they start out as balls of stored-up energy that thrive after they’re exposed to chilly winter temperatures. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, this would be the perfect gift for a colorful garden!

 1. Bulbs Require Chilly Weather

All spring-blooming bulbs require a few weeks of chilly weather to thrive, although a few perform well as far south as Zone 8. In warmer areas, most spring bulbs must be chilled for eight to ten weeks before planting in midwinter and will bloom for only one year.

 

2. The Bigger the Bulb, The More Food

Larger bulbs mean stronger plants with more and larger flowers. The bigger the bulb, the more food is stored inside. Try buying the largest (highest-grade) bulbs your budget allows.

 

3. Plant in the Fall

Spring bulbs should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes, around the time of the first frost.

 

4. Plant Bulbs Closely Together

Spring bulbs look best when planted closely together in informal drift rather than in rows. This will make for a prettier arrangement.

 

5. Fertilizing

During the early spring, spread good compost or rotted manure over the soil. Most bulbs do not require more fertilizing than this.

 

6. Use Well-Drained Soil

All bulbs require well-drained soil. Do not water bulbs after they are planted unless the soil is overly dry. Soggy soil will kill them. Don’t water in the spring either unless rainfall is unusually lacking.

 

7. Bulbs Need Their Leaves for Food

Bulbs need their leaves to feed themselves during the spring so they can grow and bloom well the following year. After the flowers fade, the stems may be removed, but leave the foliage in place until it turns brown six to wight weeks later. Do not braid or tie the leaves.

 

8. Spring Bulbs are Perennial

All spring bulbs are perennial, meaning they can live for two or more years, although only some bulbs will naturalize (bloom and multiply every year). Most hybrid tulips and hyacinths will bloom well for only one year, so you may dig them up and discard them after their flowers fade.

 

9. Bulbs are Readily Available

Most bulbs should be available at your local nursery or through mail-order sources.

 

The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at any location. Be aware of which bulbs you plan to plant and how they are capable of growing in your zone.

 

Two of my all-time favorite spring flowers are tulips and daffodils.

Tulip Tulipa spp.

Bloom Time: Early  to Late Spring

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Color & Height: All Colors; 4-6 Inches Tall

Tulips, from the Tulipa species are available in a wide range of bloom times, heights, colors, and petal forms. Plant tulips in well-drained soil in a sunny to partly-shady area. Dig holes eight inches deep for large tulips, and at least three inches deep for smaller varieties. For the best effect, plant in groups of six to ten bulbs per square foot. In order to get the longest display of color, blend varieties that will bloom in early-, mid-, and late-spring.

 

Daffodil Narcissus sp.

Bloom Time: Early to Late Spring

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Color & Height: White, Yellow, Orange, Pink, and Coral; 6-20 inches tall

Daffodils, from the Naricssus species, are available in a range of colors, heights, fragrances, and bloom times. Daffodils offer thousands of varieties to choose from and if planted well, will bloom for many years, multiplying over time. Best of all, deer and other pests rarely bother them! Plant daffodils in full sun to light shade. Since their bulb sizes can vary greatly, when planting, calculate three times the height of the bulb, and use that measurement for the planting depth and spacing. Daffodils should be planted at least five per square foot and for a long season of bloom, try a mix of early-, mid-, and late-spring bloomers.

Get inspired by their beauty now and make plans to plant them this fall!

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