The Basics

The Ultimate Guide to Planting and Caring for Bulbs

Bulbs are a gardener's secret weapon. With minimal effort, they can deliver stunning blooms year after year, bringing vibrant color to your garden. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about bulbs, from when to plant them to how to care for them throughout the growing season.

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The Ultimate Guide to Planting and Caring for Bulbs

What are Bulbs?

A bulb is essentially an underground storage unit for a plant. They contain all the essential nutrients and structures needed to grow a new plant, including a central shoot surrounded by fleshy, nutrient-rich scales. This storage system allows the plant to go dormant during adverse conditions, such as winter or drought, and then come back to life when conditions are more favorable!

Some common types of bulbs include:

Tulips

Prized for their timeless beauty, tulips come in a wide range of vibrant colors, including red, yellow, purple, orange, and white

Daffodils

Daffodils primarily come in shades of yellow and white, with some varieties featuring orange or pink accents.

Hyacinths

Hyacinths are known for their rich, fragrant blooms that come in a variety of colors, including deep purple, violet-blue, pink, and white

Crocus

Often referred to as bulbs due to their similar growth habits, crocus grow from corms and come in a range of colors, including purple, white, yellow, and striped varieties.

When to Plant Bulbs

Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocus need a period of cold dormancy to grow properly, so it's best to plant them in the fall. Depending on your region, this could be late September to early November when the soil is around  60°F (15°C) or cooler but not frozen. 

    Summer-Flowering Bulbs
    Summer bulbs including lilies, gladiolus, and dahlias are generally more tender and won’t survive freezing temperatures. It'll be best to plant these bulbs in early spring, afgter the last frost date in your area when the soil has warmed up to at least  60°F (15°C).

    Fall-Flowering Bulbs
    Fall-flowering bulbs like colchicum and autumn crocus need to be planted in late summer, depending on your climate, to bloom during fall.

    Where to Plant Bulbs

    Bulbs thrive in well-drained soil and should be planted in areas that receive full to partial sunlight. Choose a spot where the bulbs will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day for optimal blooming. If your garden has clay-heavy soil, amend it with organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water tends to collect, as bulbs can rot in soggy soil. Some bulbs, like crocuses or snowdrops, can even be planted in grassy areas or under deciduous trees, where they’ll bloom before the leaves come in!

    How to Plant Bulbs

    1. Dig the Hole: Use a trowel or bulb planter to dig a hole to the appropriate depth, typically 2 to 3 times the height of the bulb.  For example, a 2-inch bulb should be planted 6 inches deep.

    2. Place the Bulb: Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up (for most bulbs).

    3. Backfill: Cover the bulb with soil, making sure not to compact the soil too much.

    4. Water: After planting, water thoroughly to help the bulbs settle into their new home. Watering helps stimulate root growth.

    Best Care Practices for Bulbs

    Once planted, bulbs are relatively low-maintenance, but some care will ensure they come back strong year after year.

    Watering
    Water bulbs immediately after planting to help the soil settle and to encourage root growth. During the growing season, water regularly once the top 2-3 inches of soil has dried, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy. Summer-flowering bulbs often require more water during hot, dry weather so be sure to check on them more during those periods. For fall-planted bulbs, once the weather cools, the natural rainfall usually provides enough moisture, so additional watering isn't needed unless conditions are very dry.  
    After flowering, gradually reduce watering as the foliage dies back, allowing the bulbs to store energy for next year. In winter, avoid watering as the bulbs are dormant, and excess moisture can cause rot. Come spring, resume watering as new growth begins to ensure healthy blooms!

    Fertilizing
    At the the time of planting, add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or bone meal (which is a natural form of phosphorus) to the soil which will help to promote root growth and flowering. During the growing season, you can feed bulbs with a liquid fertilizer once shoots emerge and again after flowering to help build up energy for the next year’s blooms.

    Deadheading & Pruning
    Deadheading (removing faded flowers) prevents bulbs from wasting energy on seed production and helps to extend the blooming cycle. You can prune any spent flowers as they arise, but only cut back leaves when they turn yellow and wither. The leaves help the bulb gather energy for the next bloom cycle!

    Mulching
    Applying a layer of mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect bulbs from temperature extremes. For spring-flowering bulbs planted in fall, mulch will act as insulation during the winter months.

    Common Problems with Bulbs

    Pests
    Bulbs are often targeted by animals like squirrels, voles, and deer. You can protect them by covering the planting area with chicken wire or animal deterant sprays. You can also try planting animal-resistant varieties like daffodils and alliums!

    Rotting
    Overwatering or poor drainage can cause bulbs to rot. Ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid planting in areas where water pools.

    Weak Blooms
    If your bulbs produce weak or no blooms, they may not be receiving enough sunlight or nutrients. Make sure they’re planted in a sunny location, and apply a fertilizer after they bloom.

    Storing Bulbs
    If you live in an area with harsh winters or if you have tender bulbs that won’t survive freezing temperatures, you may need to dig up your bulbs and store them.
    Once the foliage has died back, carefully dig up the bulbs and let them dry out for a few days in a cool, shady spot. Place the bulbs in a paper bag, mesh bag, or box with peat moss or sawdust. Store them in a cool, dry place until it’s time to replant them next season.

    FAQs

    How do I know if my bulb is going dormant vs dying?

    If the bulb feels mushy or oozes when you squeeze it, it is a dead bulb caused by either overwatering or the soil isn't well-draining. On the other hand, if you suspect your bulb is dying but it seems smaller and looks more wrinkled it could be prematurely dying back from not getting enough water. If the foliage is pale and leggy, then the bulb might not be getting enough light.

    How long will blooms last?

    This is dependent on the species! Tulips may last for around 2 weeks, Hyacinths up to 3 weeks, but Daffodils may last for up to 6 weeks! Blooms keep longer with cooler temperatures for all species.

    Are bulbs toxic to pets?

    Many bulbs are toxic to pets so be sure to keep them out of reach of any curious pets. The toxicity is the bulb’s protection mechanism to ward off predators against stealing their food! 

    Conclusion

    Bulbs are a simple yet rewarding addition to any garden, offering stunning flowers with minimal effort. Whether you're planting spring-flowering tulips or summer-blooming dahlias, following the right planting times and care practices will ensure you enjoy beautiful blooms year after year.

    Words By The Sill

    Empowering all people to be plant people—a collection of articles from The Sill's team of plant experts across a variety of plant care topics to inspire confidence in the next generation of plant parents. Welcome to Plant Parenthood™.

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