How to Plant Flower Bulbs

Flower bulbs are a great option for bother beginner and master gardeners. They are easy to maintain and require little work, if properly cared for. The most important part of growing flowers from bulbs is to plant them properly. How you plant you flower bulbs will be the first step in determining your success. If flower bulbs are not planted properly they will not produce. Below you will learn how to plant flower bulbs, when to plant flower bulbs and how to care for your flower bulbs to insure a beautiful landscape.

How to Plant Flower Bubs: Types of Flower Bulbs

When planting flower bulbs it's important to know what type of plant bulbs you have. There are commonly, two types of flower bulbs, fall bulbs, and spring bulbs. It is very important to know which type you have. Fall bulbs must be planted in the fall and spring bulbs must be planted in the spring for optimal performance. Depending on the species, some bulbs will not even produce if planted in the wrong season.

Bulbs come in various shapes, sizes, requirements, ect. Some require a specific depth while others can be safely planted within a few inches of what is suggested. Other bulbs have a 'top' and 'bottom' which require you to plant them 'top' up or else they won't produce. Refer to the planting instructions that come with each plant or research the plant online for specific bulb requirements.

How to Plant Flower Bubs: When to Plant Flower Bulbs

When to plant the flower bulbs depend on the type of bulb, spring or fall.

Spring bulbs can be planted in early spring after the last frost. The sooner you get them in the ground the sooner they will produce. Just be careful not to plant them too early or else they may be injured by the cold temperatures.

Fall bulbs can be planted in the fall. Early or late fall depends on your location and temperatures. You want to plant them at least 6 weeks before the first frost to insure that they have time to adjust to their new location. However, planting them too, early can cause them to try and sprout this year. If they sprout in the fall then they will most likely die off and not return in the spring. This is because it takes the whole spring and summer season to store enough energy to go dormant and return the next spring. If it sprouts out in the fall it won't receive the needed nutrients and energy to be able to reproduce.

How to Plant Flower Bubs: Planting Instructions

Once you purchase your flower bulbs determine the type of flower bulbs you have. Insure that it is safe to plant them and that the weather is right; frosts, heat, coolness, ect.

Once you have insured the proper planting dates, then you are ready to plant your new flower bulbs. Start by selecting your location. Location is another important factor. Insure proper sun, shade, and drainage as required by each plant.

Once your location has been chosen, you need to prepare a flower bed to plant your flower bulbs in. Till the area with a tiller or other cultivator. Be sure that the ground is loosened and turned well. This will help to insure that the bulbs will have room to produce. When tilling the ground, it's good to till in compost, peat moss or other materials that will be beneficial. These types of organic matters help to produce nutrients and keep the ground from becoming too compacted and it will help provide good drainage.

After your soil is prepared you are ready to plant the flower bulbs in the ground. Prepare the hole according to the plant requirements, usually 3-9 inches depending on the plant and bulb size. Plant the flower bulb with right side up. The top side of a flower bulb is usually indicated by a tip or lump. Each bulb varies. Some bulbs such as anemones don't have a top and can simply be dropped in the whole. If the top is not planted facing up, the bulb will sprout into the ground and die off.

After placing the flower bulbs in the holes, cover them with dirt. Water them lightly to firm the soil but do not over water.

Maintain the bulbs as directed on the package. Do not over water the flower bulbs. This is very important. Too much watering can cause them to rot.

After they are planted, sit back and relax. Patient is now a virtue. If you are planting them in the fall, then you will see them sprout in the spring. If you are planting them in the spring then it should be just a few weeks before your spectacular flower show begins!