Timing is Everything: Where and When to Plant Bulbs

The health, vigor, and flowering of bulbs depend greatly on where you plant them. Within every garden, there are microclimates where conditions such as drainage, light, wind, and soil may be significantly different from other parts of the garden. And these microclimates can change dramatically within only a few feet, creating an adverse effect on garden bulbs and other plants when their panting requirements are not met. Therefore, you should always try to select a location having a microclimate as close as possible to the natural habitat of the bulbs you want to plant. Of course, this usually means that you must become familiar with every aspect of your garden throughout the seasons.

Once a suitable location has been selected, the soil should be amended with compost to help improve drainage as well as soil quality. This is important for most bulbs. There are a few exceptions, however, such as with bulbs that tolerate bog-like conditions. Always check a bulb's growing requirements beforehand to ensure proper planting. Bulbs should normally be planted as soon as possible to prevent them from drying out. In areas with cold winters, you can place bulbs in the ground as long as the soil is soft enough to dig a hole for them. However, they will have more time to establish themselves if they are planted in the fall. In areas without freezing winters, such as southern parts of the U.S., you won't have to plant the bulbs until early spring. In addition, you may want to consider pre-chilled bulbs, as many bulbs require a period of cool conditions in order to develop properly.

Hardy bulbs, which are typically spring flowering, are generally planted in the fall. Hardy bulb varieties include tulips, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, anemones, and irises. Most tender bulbs are summer flowering, but there are also several fall-flowering varieties as well. Tender bulbs are extremely sensitive to cold conditions and are unable to survive in areas with harsh winters. Therefore, you should plant tender bulbs in the spring once the threat of cold has ceased and the ground has warmed up significantly. In late fall, these same bulbs will require lifting for winter storage. Bulbs should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Tender bulb varieties include elephant ears, caladiums, gladiolus, cannas, and dahlias.

If you plant bulbs before the soil cools down, the bulbs may not thrive. Then again, if bulbs are planted in warm, wet soil, they can succumb to rot or mildew. After planting, water your bulbs thoroughly. Ideally, bulbs should be planted at least six weeks before hard, ground-freezing frost can be expected in your area. On the other hand, planting bulbs too early can lead to fungus or disease problems. If you miss the optimal planting time, don't wait for spring or next fall. Bulbs won't survive out of the ground indefinitely so take your chances by planting them as soon as you can.