Time to Plant Spring Blooming Bulbs

October is the month to plant spring flowering bulbs anywhere in the continental U.S. and Canada. Bulbs for spring blooming can be planted any time from September through December before the soil freezes. However, the earlier the planting the better to ensure a strong root system before the harshness of winter.

Bulbs should be planted with the tip up. Plant bulbs at the right depth. An easy rule to remember is to plant bulbs as deep down as its foliage grows up! Another helpful and time saving tip is to stack a variety of bulb types when planting in the same hole for variety and to heighten color come spring. For example, plant daffodil bulbs at a depth of 6 inches. Cover with a little soil and in the same hole plant tulips at 4 to 6 inches. Add additional soil and plant smaller bulbs such as crocus or grape hyacinth.

Banking an array of bulbs and rhizomes in the ground now, such as, anemone, iris, tulip, daffodil, narcissus, and fritillaria will yield a beautiful, colorful landscape next spring!

Deborah Tukua, author of Pearls of Garden Wisdom.

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