Spring is an exciting time for gardeners. The cold winter months are finally giving way to warmer weather, and it’s time to start planning what to plant in your garden beds and containers. One common question many gardeners have is whether you can plant spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in the spring. Traditionally, most spring bulbs are planted in the fall. But if you missed the fall planting window, you may be wondering if you can still plant bulbs in the spring. The answer is yes, you can successfully plant spring bulbs in the spring with a few extra considerations.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover when and how to plant spring bulbs in the spring for gorgeous flowers as well as which bulb varieties tend to work best for spring planting. We’ll also share tips on pre-chilling bulbs before planting proper planting techniques, and how to care for spring bulbs planted in the spring to ensure success. Let’s get started!
Why Plant Spring Bulbs in the Fall?
Before diving into spring planting, it helps to understand why fall is the traditional planting season for most spring bulbs.
Most spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses require a cold winter period in order to properly bloom in spring. This cold period is referred to as vernalization. During vernalization, the bulbs go dormant and produce the root initials and flower buds they need for vigorous growth when spring arrives.
Bulbs planted in the fall have time to establish roots before winter dormancy. A good root system means the plant will have an easier time supporting leaf and flower growth in the spring. Fall planting also avoids the hazards of late spring frosts and extreme temperature fluctuations that can damage emerging bulb foliage.
So fall planting gives bulbs the ideal conditions they need to thrive. But with proper care, you can still plant bulbs successfully in the spring.
When to Plant Spring Bulbs in Spring
Timing is important when planting spring bulbs in the spring. The ideal window is early to mid spring, when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F. This typically occurs after your last expected frost date but before daytime high temperatures rise above the low 60s F.
In most climates, March and April are good target months for spring bulb planting. Slightly cooler climates can plant towards the later end in late April or early May. Hot climates may be able to plant a bit earlier in late February or early March if soil temperatures are adequate.
The most important thing is to plant early enough so bulbs can establish roots before summer but late enough to avoid damage from freezing temperatures after planting. Pay attention to soil temperature, not just air temperature or the calendar date.
Choosing the Best Spring Bulbs for Spring Planting
When planting bulbs in the spring, focus on varieties that need less winter chilling to flower properly. Good options include:
- Dahlias
- Gladiolus
- Canna lily
- Begonias
- Calla lilies
- Caladium
- Tuberous begonias
- Crocosmia
- Ranunculus
- Anemone
Many of these bulbs originate from climates with warm springs and summers, so they are naturally well-suited to spring planting.
Other classic spring blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths will have the best results when planted in the fall. But if given proper pre-chilling treatment before planting, even these can bloom when planted in spring.
Tips for Successful Spring Bulb Planting
Here are some key tips to ensure success with planting spring bulbs in the spring:
Pre-Chill Bulbs First
Most bulbs require some period of cold temperature exposure to bloom properly. If planting spring bulbs in the spring, it’s best to pre-chill bulbs before planting.
For tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other bulbs that need more chilling, aim for 12-15 weeks of temperatures around 40°F. Store bulbs loose and dry in the refrigerator crisper.
For bulbs that need less chilling like ranunculus and anemone, 2-4 weeks may be sufficient depending on variety. Check package instructions.
Pre-chilling tricks the bulbs into thinking they experienced winter, allowing them to bloom even with spring planting.
Prepare Soil Well
Amend spring bulb planting beds with organic material like compost or aged manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage. Bulbs prefer loose, fertile, well-drained soil.
Avoid overly heavy or compacted soil, which can lead to bulb rot when planted in the spring. Incorporate a bulb fertilizer at planting time to give bulbs an extra nutrient boost.
Plant at Proper Depth
Plant bulbs at the appropriate depth for the variety. As a general rule, plant the bulb 2-3 times as deep as its height. Proper planting depth helps anchor bulbs underground.
Water Thoroughly After Planting
Water bulbs well after planting to eliminate any air pockets and help settle the soil. Proper watering encourages root growth. Make sure soils drain well so bulbs don’t sit in standing water.
Use Protective Coverings If Needed
If late spring frosts are still a concern in your area after planting, protect bulbs using cloches, cold frames, or nursery fabric covers. This protects vulnerable new growth until the frost risk has definitively passed.
Leave Foliage to Die Back Naturally
For spring planted bulbs, refrain from cutting or braiding the foliage after the flowers fade. Leave the foliage intact so the leaves can continue photosynthesizing and nourishing the bulb until they naturally yellow and die back.
Accept Delayed Bloom
Recognize that spring planted bulbs may bloom 2-4 weeks later than their fall planted counterparts, especially for varieties that require more chilling. But they can still provide lovely spring flowers.
Caring for Spring Planted Bulbs
Here are some tips for ongoing care of bulbs planted in the spring:
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Water spring bulbs regularly if rain is lacking, keeping soil evenly moist but not soaked. Reduce watering as foliage starts to die down.
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Apply a 2-3 inch mulch layer over planting beds to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
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Fertilize with a balanced bulb fertilizer when foliage emerges and again after flowering.
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Allow foliage to die down completely before removing. Foliage needs to fully yellow before you cut it off.
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Mark planting sites to avoid accidentally digging up bulbs later, since they were planted in an unusual season.
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In climates with hot summers, provide shade or light mulch over bulbs during dormancy.
With proper selection, planting, and care, spring bulbs can thrive when planted in the spring instead of fall. While results may not be as prolific the first year, spring bulb plantings will improve over time as bulbs establish. With just a little extra planning, you can enjoy gorgeous spring flowers even if you missed the ideal fall planting window.
When and Where to Plant
Wait until all danger of frost is past and the soil temperature is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you must store the bulbs more than a few days before planting, read the instructions in Storing Your Bulbs Before Planting in Spring.
Unless otherwise noted, bulbs prefer well-drained soil. Soggy soil will lead to rot. If your soil is wet consider planting bulbs in raised beds or in containers. For best results follow the recommendations for light levels; for example, bulbs that prefer full sun may grow leggy and topple over if planted in shade.
Loosen soil in the planting bed to a depth of at least 8″. Although bulbs contain all the nutrients they need to grow and bloom this season, you may want to mix some compost into the planting bed to help improve drainage. If you want to add fertilizer, mix it into the soil at this time. (Avoid adding fertilizer directly to the planting hole because concentrated fertilizer can burn roots.)
Planting depth is measured from the soil line to the top of the bulb.
Using a trowel or bulb planter, dig a hole to the recommended depth. Plant the bulb by placing it in the hole, then backfill with soil, firming it gently.Which end is up? If the bulb has a pointed end, plant this end up. If you are unsure which is the, plant bulbs on their side. Bulbs planted with the wrong end up will still grow, but they may take longer than usual to emerge. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the bulbs.
It may take weeks or even a month for the growth on new bulbs to emerge. How quickly a bulb grows depends on a number of factors, including the species, degree of dormancy and temperature of the soil.
- Apply water as necessary to keep soil moist but not soaking wet. Apply a 2″ to 3″ layer of organic mulch, like shredded bark or pine straw, after planting to help conserve soil moisture and prevent weeds.
- Keep an eye out for any soil disturbance, as this could indicate that the bulbs are being dug up by squirrels, chipmunks or rabbits.
- Tall, top-heavy plants may need staking or another type of support to keep them from falling over from the weight of the flowers. Removing spent blooms will encourage dahlias and other shrubby flowers to continue blooming. Other than that, most bulbs are relatively maintenance-free during the growing season.
Most spring-planted bulbs are native to warm climates and need protection from cold weather. You can either dig them up out of the ground and store in cardboard boxes filled with peat moss or sawdust, or if planted in pots, just bring the pots indoors.
In regions with mild winters many spring-planted bulbs can be left in the ground year-round. If you experience occasional light frosts, protect the bulbs with mulch during the winter.
Planting Spring Blooming Bulbs in Containers! // Garden Answer
FAQ
What happens if you plant bulbs in the spring?
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Why spring-planted bulbs might not bloom immediately:Many spring-blooming bulbs, like tulips and daffodils, require a period of cold temperatures (overwintering) to trigger their flowering process. Planting them in the spring, after this chilling period, means they won’t have the necessary cues to bloom that year.
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What happens to the bulbs:The bulbs will still grow and develop roots, but they won’t produce flowers until the following spring, after they have had a proper cold period.
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Exceptions:Some bulbs, like gladiolus and dahlias, are actually planted in the spring for summer blooms, so planting them in the spring is the correct time.
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What to do if you planted bulbs late:If you have bulbs that you planted late, don’t worry, they will still likely bloom, but possibly later than expected or in the following spring.
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Tips for late planting:
- Ensure the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.
- Continue to care for the bulbs as you would normally (watering, fertilizing).
- Consider planting them in containers if you are unsure about the soil conditions.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.
Can I plant bulbs in May?
While spring blooming bulbs should be planted in the fall, summer-blooming bulbs should be planted in mid-spring, after the frost’s risk has passed. Usually, we’re safe to plant summer-blooming bulbs after the second week of May. However, if you haven’t planted your summer bulbs yet, it’s not too late!
Is it too late to plant bulbs in spring?
(Almost) Never Too Late to Plant Bulbs Normally spring flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, etc.) are planted from September through November in the Northern Hemisphere.
How to plant spring bulbs in spring?
Using a trowel or bulb planter, dig a hole to the recommended depth. Plant the bulb by placing it in the hole, then backfill with soil, firming it gently. Which end is up? If the bulb has a pointed end, plant this end up.
When is the best time to plant spring bulbs?
Typically, the best time to plant spring bulbs is as soon as the ground can be worked and the danger of frost has passed. Picture this: I’m with a steaming cup of coffee, surveying my patch of earth every early spring, imagining it bursting with colors like an artist’s palette. As soon as the soil’s thawed and welcoming, it’s game on!
Can you plant spring bulbs in the south?
Planting spring bulbs in winter is much more feasible in the South. But not all types of spring bulbs thrive in the Southern climate. Here are some of the best choices: Daffodils: The daffodils with the big, trumpet-shaped flowers sometimes perform poorly in the South.
Can you plant tulip bulbs in spring?
If you can still work the soil, then you can still plant spring bulbs. Take tulip bulbs, for example. Typical planting advice is to install them at a depth of 6 to 8 inches; so you have to be able to work the soil down to that level. There will likely be a delay in blooming, so that you will not have flowers in spring, but rather in summer.
When do spring bulbs reappear?
Spring bulbs are not just ordinary plants. Their flowers, which bloom in various colors, are vibrant enough to breathe life into the drabbest flower border. More importantly, many reappear just when the winter-weary most need color: early spring.
How deep should spring bulbs be planted?
Planting spring bulbs is a straightforward task once you know the essentials. Proper planting depth and spacing, coupled with the right watering and fertilization tactics, are key to vibrant blooms. Bulbs require attention to detail in depth and spacing for optimal growth. A general rule is to plant bulbs around three times as deep as their height.
Should you dig up spring/summer bulbs in the fall?
“Many people get hung up on the need to dig these spring/summer bulbs up in the fall, but honestly, you can also treat them like annuals and just let them go and buy new bulbs or tubers the following spring,” says gardening author Carol Michel.