Bulbs - Everything You Need To Know
Planning Your Bulb Display
Spring bulbs add bright color and variety to landscapes after winter. Early bloomers like crocus and snowdrops welcome spring, followed by tulips, daffodils, allium, and iris that carry color into early summer. Bulbs can be used in beds, lawns, and containers depending on your space.
Adding to Beds and Borders
Bulbs provide early color before perennials and annuals begin growing. Mass plantings create a bold display but often require replanting each year if you don’t want to wait for foliage to die back. For easier maintenance, plant bulbs in clusters throughout existing beds for the greatest visual impact.
Naturalizing
Bulbs like daffodils and crocus look beautiful when planted in natural drifts in lawns or woodland areas. Avoid straight edges and vary planting density for a natural look. When planting in turf, choose early bloomers so foliage has time to grow before mowing begins.
Containers
Bulbs perform well in both indoor and outdoor containers. Crocus, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, and iris reticulata are great for indoor forcing, which requires about 12 weeks of chilling before bringing pots into warmth and light. Paperwhites and amaryllis do not require chilling. Outdoor containers can be planted in fall and stored in a cool, non-freezing space until spring.
Planting Basics
Plant bulbs in well-drained, organic-rich soil with a pH between 6 and 7. In our region, mid-October is ideal for planting, though bulbs can be planted later if the ground is workable. Plant bulbs at a depth of 2–3 times their height — about 4 inches for small bulbs and 6–8 inches for larger bulbs.
Fertilizing and Mulching
Add bulb fertilizer at planting and again in early spring to support foliage growth. Apply mulch after the ground cools, using no more than 3 inches to help retain moisture and stabilize soil temperature.
After Blooming
Allow foliage to die back naturally so bulbs can store energy for the following year. Avoid cutting, braiding, or tying leaves for best results.