Bulbs to Plant in the Fall

TIPS FOR ALL BULBS:

  • Plant bulbs at least six weeks before ground freezes
  • First frost dates are approximately October 15th – November 15th
  • Water bulbs after planting
  • Water is especially important right after planting to ensure that the plants develop a strong root system before going into winter dormancy. Though standing water is not good for bulbs, sufficient water is necessary to get them growing.

WHY BULBS ARE PLANTED IN FALLThey require a long period of cool temperature to spark the biochemical process that causes blooming.

TOP BULBS TO PLANT IN FALL: Crocus,Tulip, Daffodils, Grape Hyacinth, Hyacinth, Allium, Dutch Iris

*Mary M, property manager, and expert horticulturists, has a few words of advice to add when planting fall bulbs.

CROCUS

If you want an exciting sign from nature that spring is near, then you should plant Crocus bulbs. This amazing bulb has the ability to push through snow and bloom, giving the dreary late winter landscape a touch of color. We suggest planting Snow Crocuses because are they are the first to bloom. Also, they naturalize, meaning they spread and come back year after year with an even larger display.

Light Requirements: Full sun, half Sun
Bloom Time: Late Winter

*Mary’s Tip: “Crocus is great for planter pots; plant along the edge of the pot, because they will bloom and be out of the way before other bulbs bloom.”

TULIP

Tulips are one of the most popular flowers in the world and are a great bulb to plant. We suggest planting a Grand Mix of Perennial Darwin Tulip Bulbs, because they are tall, tough, and come in a mixture of colors. Plant them once and you will have them for years! Bring character to your garden by using this colorful mix as a border to your flower beds.

Light Requirements: Full Sun, Half Sun/Half Shade
Bloom Time: Mid Spring

*Mary’s Tip: “When mixing colors, be sure to use similar height and bloom time to get the best effect.”

DAFFODILS

These flowers are known as the symbol of spring due to their popularity. We suggest using Double Daffodils because they are super easy to plant in the fall and are tolerant to any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained. Daffodils are perennials and if conditions are favorable, their bulbs will naturalize over the years, giving you more flowers every spring! Also, deer and squirrels avoid eating Daffodils making them a good choice in areas where these pests are a problem.

Light Requirements: Full Sun, Half Sun/Half Shade
Bloom Time: Mid Spring

*Mary’s Tip: “For decorating in pots, you can use some of the shorter varieties and mix with Grape Hyacinth or Tulips.”

GRAPE HYACINTH

These bulbs are perfect if you want an easy and pretty way to cover large areas of your landscape; they are simple-to-grow, durable, and are fast to spread. We suggest planting Muscari Armeniacum because they are inexpensive and look great when paired with Tulips and Daffodils. If you decide to plant these, take note that their foliage will come up during the fall. This is a great benefit, because it makes fertilizing easy, unlike other bulbs that don’t show any exposer.

Light Requirements: Full Sun, Half Sun
Bloom Time: Mid Spring

HYACINTH

If you are looking for a flower with a powerful scent, then this is the one. The sweet, lingering, fragrance of a Hyacinth makes it one of our favorites. To create a beautiful and formal display, we suggest putting your hyacinth bulbs close together in groups of 3, 5, or more. To ensure proper health, make sure these are planted in a spot with good drainage. Although these can withstand full sun, it is best to plant them in areas with available shade.

Light Requirements: Full Sun, Half Sun/Half Shade
Bloom Time: Mid Spring

*Mary’s Tip: “For a long display time, try planting Crocus, Daffodils, and Tulips in complementary colors. Grape Hyacinth shows up well with short yellow Daffodils. Hyacinth and other bulbs can be planted with Daffodils to bloom simultaneously or with Tulips to extend the bloom time in an individual bed.”

ALLIUM

Make a statement in your garden, by planting Allium Globe Masters. These bulbs are notorious for their colossal size because the flower heads can bloom up to a foot across! Some other characteristics include their distinct smell of chives and lavender color. We suggest planting perennials around the Allium’s base because the foliage becomes unattractive overtime. When it comes to choosing the placement of the bulb, consider planting the giant Alliums in groups of several bulbs, set very close together. Also, they should be placed behind surrounding plants or bulbs, because they are very tall.

Light Requirements: Full Sun, Half Sun/Half Shade

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

DUTCH IRIS

The Iris is a subtle reminder that summer is right around the corner. It is a very elegant flower that is most popular in purple. They are easy to grow, deer resistant, and are perfect for any garden or flower arrangements.

Light Requirements: Full Sun, Half Sun/Half Shade
Bloom Time: Early Summer