Fall Planted Bulbs

When to Plant Flower Bulbs

Fall is the time when nearly all spring blooming bulbs are dormant and the pleasant weather allows for shipping and planting.  Plant flower bulbs in September or October to allow the most root growth.

Where to Plant Flower Bulbs

One cardinal rule for planting flower bulbs, is to plant them in soil that is well-drained.  Check the proposed planting site for standing water after a rainfall.  If you must plant where the soil is known to remain wet, raise the soil level by 6-12" above the surrounding soil.

Planting Depth

The general rule for planting flower bulbs is to cover the bulb with soil to 3 times its vertical diameter.  It is also better to plant too deeply, rather than too shallowly.

Watering Flower Bulbs

After planting flower bulbs, water thoroughly to settle the soil around them and to encourage the start of root growth.  If ample rain is lacking, it may be necessary to water new plantings once a week in the fall.  Flower bulbs also require water after blooming, during the stage when foliage is ripening; water weekly if rain is sparse.