Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs in the Fall

It’s time to think of spring – spring flowering bulbs that is!  Remember, you plant in the fall to enjoy the splendor of daffodils, crocus and tulips in the spring. Keep bulbs in a cool, well-ventilated area until you can plant.  Need a little planting inspiration? Think ahead… After a long, cold winter, these flowering beauties give promise to a glorious gardening season ahead.

Imagine waves of blooming daffodils...

There are so many reasons to plant daffodils. The obvious, of course, is for their beauty. What would a spring landscape be without daffodils! And let’s not forget about those we cut to bring indoors to enjoy. 

There are other incentives to planting daf’s: the squirrels don’t like them (imagine planting dozens of tulip bulbs with the squirrels at your feet, digging them up). Perhaps the biggest plus: daffodils naturalize. Translation: the bulbs multiply and take up residence in your landscape. 

Not all bulbs naturalize; certainly not tulips. Good gardeners know that you must plant new tulip bulbs every few years - the quality and uniformity of the flowers declines. 

Daffodils are known to be good naturalizers. A few rules for success: always buy quality bulbs - you might as well start out on the right foot. Selection locations that offer good soil drainage - wet areas can cause bulbs to rot and die. Avoid areas that are too shady. 

A gentle reminder: allow the foliage to ripen before it is removed. If bulbs are planted in areas that are typically mowed, you must allow the foliage to mature. Removing foliage too soon interrupts the food manufacturing process - the bulbs need to store food/energy for next spring’s flowers.