When to Plant Spring Flower Bulbs

Posted by Jamie McIntosh Nov 1, 2009

Sometimes readers want to know the best time to plant spring flowering bulbs. The answer varies by USDA growing region, but it’s not too late to plant bulbs unless the ground is frozen. However, delayed planting may compromise the performance of some bulbs, as spring flowering bulbs begin growing by sending roots into the soil before the ground is frozen.

I like to plant my bulbs in October and November, after the first frost has nipped the annuals, leaving barren areas in the garden that I imagine will be bursting with blossom in six months or less. I’m one of those gardeners whose eyes are bigger than her trowel, in that I get somewhat gluttonous when I choose my tulips and daffodils, and purchase almost more than I can plant. The remedy is to steal 10 minutes a day in the garden when the weather allows, planting a dozen or so at a time in drifts throughout the landscape. After these planting sessions, I feel a great deal of empathy for squirrels if their wrists feel anything like mine after digging all day!

Not even a lingering case of bronchitis could keep me from the garden today, when temperatures soared to 77 degrees. Between church and a family trip to the zoo, I made time to plant a dozen organic tulips from Eco Tulips: an early spring variety called ‘Soft Design,’ a lily flowering tulip with elegant pointed petals and creamy pink streaks. I’m already cheered as I imagine their glowing petals in my front yard on a grey March afternoon.