10 Commonly Asked Questions About Fall Bulbs

1. What are fall bulbs? 

Fall bulbs are bulbs which must be planted in Fall. This is because they require a lengthy “chilling period” (winter) in order to grow and bloom.
 
Most (but not all) fall bulbs actually bloom in Spring. For this reason, the terms fall bulbs and spring-blooming bulbs are often used interchangeably.

You’re probably familiar with many fall bulbs; crocuses, daffodils, and tulips are just a few examples.

Crocuses

Tulips

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2. Why plant fall bulbs?

​I love fall bulbs….and I can hardly wait to tell you why!

You know that time of year when winter is ending but the landscape is mostly brown and lifeless? And every day you’re anxiously awaiting more signs of spring? Well, it’s those fall bulbs that step in to beautifully to take the edge off. Simply seeing these harbingers of spring makes me incredibly happy.

Fall bulbs are also:
​

• Easy to plant
• Easy to grow
• Highly valuable for extending your  garden’s flowering season by 1-2 months

Glory of the Snow

3. When can I plant fall bulbs?

Fall bulbs should be planted between mid-September and late October, and no earlier. In fact, they can be planted even later, so long as you can stick a spade in the ground.

4. Can I plant them in spring instead? 

The short answer to this is no. You’ll see a few potted tulips, daffodils, or grape hyacinth available in spring but selection is very slim. Moreover, you’re paying a much higher price per bulb.

5. Where should I plant fall bulbs?

The #1 Rule is to plant fall bulbs in well-drained soil. They will rot in heavy, clay, or boggy soils.

Otherwise, fall bulbs can be planted just about anywhere in the ground. Intersperse them throughout your perennial gardens, add them to your annual beds, or plant them around the base of deciduous shrubs or trees.

Planting Tip: Most bulb leaves go yellow once the bulb has bloomed. It’s tempting to cut down this unsightly foliage but DON’T do it! Bulbs need these leaves to gather energy for the next season’s growth.

Instead, strategically plant bulbs near slower-to-emerge plants that will later hide the yellow bulb foliage.

6. When do fall bulbs bloom?

Bloom times vary; some bloom as early as March (in some years) and others bloom into late May. Bulbs are generally categorized as early, mid, or late spring bloomers.

7. Can I plant them in sun or shade?

Fall bulbs grow best in full to part sun. The earliest bulbs will bloom before most trees and shrubs leaf out, so even areas that are normally shaded may be suitable for the early bloomers.

Bulbs need a minimum of 4 hours filtered sunlight per day. In such areas, try Siberian Squill, Glory of the Snow, Snowdrops, Fritillaria, Crocuses, or Grape Hyacinth.

Fritillaria

8. How many should I plant?

Grouping Guidelines:

• Small bulbs (crocuses, grape hyacinth etc.) : 10-50
• Medium bulbs (Tulips, daffodils etc.): 10 or more
• Large bulbs (Ornamental Onion): 3-5 bulbs

If you want a higher visual impact, plant in even larger groups.

Plant bulbs in irregular groupings for the most aesthetically pleasing effect. Bulbs are often packaged to work with these guidelines.

Ornamental Onion

9. How deep do I plant them?

Recommended planting depths and bulb spacing are normally printed on every package. A good rule of thumb is to plant small bulbs 4 inches deep and mid/large bulbs 6 inches deep.

10. Which bulbs are best for our region? 

There are many perennial bulbs suited for our region, some longer-lived than others:

• Botanical Tulips
• Crocuses
• Daffodils
• Fritillaria
• Glory of the Snow
• Grape Hyacinth
• Hyacinth
• Hybrid Tulips
• Ornamental Onion
• Siberian Squill
• Snowdrop

In ​Summary

If you weren’t already convinced about the virtues of fall bulbs, I hope you are by now.  

In my humble opinion, they are tragically underutilized in gardens and I’m passionate about changing that. When people see tulips or daffodils in spring, they want them in their garden too; they just simply aren’t aware that the planting process starts in fall.

I encourage you to experiment with fall bulbs this season. Shop for a variety of bulbs in colors you love. Grab a travel mug of coffee or tea and get in your garden on a cool, crisp fall day. As you turn over the dirt, making space for your little gems, think about how cheerful and welcoming they will be in 6 months. You can thank yourself now and you’ll certainly thank yourself later.