Fall Planting Bulbs - Frequently Asked Questions
What are fall planting bulbs?Fall planting bulbs are plant species that need to be planted in the ground in the Fall before the first hard frost. Bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, narcissus, hyacinths, iris, allium, fritillaria and scilla require a cold period in order to form roots and based on lighting and warmth conditions will bloom in the spring. After flowering, the bulbs store food in their underground organs so they can grow again the following year. Therefore, bulbs are only available during the fall, after they are harvested in Holland over the summer, inspected and then packed for shipment to the United States. If bulbs are not planted within a year after harvesting, the bulb will have been dormant for too long and its chances of being able to form roots again will be minimal. Back to Top |
Frequently Asked Questions
|
What should I look for when buying fall planting bulbs?Look for bulbs are that firm, if they appear soft that is a sign of a rotting bulb which may occur when bulbs are not keep in a cool dry place. Also, look for bulbs that are not bruised. Tulips for example still have a layer of skin around them like an onion, this helps protect them from bruising, if the skin is removed it is ok. As a consumer it is important to understand bulb sizing. While bigger is not necessarily better, it is important to understand what is and what is not a consumer value. For example, top size tulip bulbs have a circumference of 12 centimeters or more. If you are trying to showcase a set of 10 tulips in your yard, look for top size bulbs. On the other hand, if you would like to plant a large bed of tulips for cut flowers or just to display a carpet of spring color, smaller tulips with a minimum circumference of 10 centimeters is perfectly acceptable. As a result your local mass merchandiser should offer both top size bulbs in smaller quantities as well as offering some choice varieties in larger quantities at cheaper prices for a slightly smaller bulb. It is also important to note that over the years, bulbs will grow larger in the ground after blooming. Back to Top |
|
How does bulb sizing work and what should I look for?Since bulbs come from Holland, bulb sizes within the industry are usually given in centimeters and is usually labeled as such by the "cm" notation to indicate the circumference of a bulb (note there are 2.54 centimeters in an inch.) To measure a bulb, wrap a tape measure around widest part of the bulb and measure. Back to Top |
|
When should I plant my bulbs?Fall bulbs must be planted in the fall before the first hard frost. It is best to wait until the outside temperature does not get above 65 degrees anymore. If there is a hard frost in a the first couple weeks after planting, mulch your beds and remove in the spring. Light morning frosts will not hurt the bulbs. Back to Top |
|
Why can't I plant fall bulbs in the spring?Bulbs require a minimum cold period of 6 weeks to form roots. If you plant bulbs in the spring they will not have sufficient cold weeks to grow their roots. It also means that the bulbs have been dormant for over 9 months. This long period of dormancy will also affect bulb performance. Back to Top |
|
Its not even spring, and my bulbs are coming up, what should I do?There is nothing you can do, if the weather is unusually warm some bulbs will be confused and start to sprout. The good news is that this means that your bulbs have a good root foundation and no snow to shovel! Most bulbs are resilient and will bloom again in the spring. Back to Top |
|
What can I do to prevent deer, rodents, rabbits and other animals from eating my bulbs and flowers?The best remedy for preventing animals from eating your bulbs is to plant bulbs they do not like to eat. While you can spray them with soap, pepper or a chemical, this tends to wash off after the first rainfall and can be time consuming. Here is a list of bulbs that deer, rabbits and other rodents do not like to eat:
Back to Top |
|
What is a hardiness zone?The US Department of Agriculture and the US National Arboretum have prepared a map representing winter hardiness for certain types of plant material. Most fall planting bulbs are considered hardy and will survive the most severe winters including, tulips, daffodils, narcissus, hyacinths, crocus, scilla, fritillaria, iris, snowdrops, muscari, eranthus and chinodoxa. However, if you do live in zones 1 through 4 or if you live in the mountains additional mulch to protect against severe freezing temperatures (20 degrees below zero) is recommended. For more details about your specific region please visit the Relevant Links Page. Back to Top |
|
I live in a warm climate, which bulbs are best for my area?To grow bulbs in climates where it generally does not freeze, some extra work is necessary as these bulbs need a cooling period mother nature cannot provide in your area by placing them in the refrigerator for at least 6 weeks. Also, most bulbs will not be able to survive extremely hot summers, so they needed to be treated like annuals or dug up and replanted the following December or January. Also when selecting tulips, stick to tall varieties. Here are some specific instructions: Place bulbs in ventilated bags in the refrigerator at the usual temperature between 40 and 45 degrees for at least 6 weeks but you can store them for up to 16 weeks if necessary until you are ready to plant. Do not store bulbs with any fruit as the ethylene gas given off by all ripening fruit will kill the flower inside bulbs. Plant bulbs a little deeper than normal ( 6 to 8 inches) and some optional mulch to help retain moisture. Water the garden regularly especially if you live in a dry area as you do not have the benefit of melting snow that the northern gardeners enjoy. If you do not have spare refrigerator, the following list of bulbs DO NOT need to be cooled: Narcissus, Dutch Iris Anemones, Ranunculus, Freesia, Ixia, Sparaxis, Amaryllis. Back to Top |
|
I live in a severely cold climate, are you sure my bulbs will make it through the winter?Bulbs are extremely hardy as many are indigenous to Europe or Central Asia which are equally cold climates. The following bulbs are very hardy: tulips, daffodils, narcissus, crocus, hyacinth, scilla, iris and fritillaria. In areas of the country where the average temperature regularly drops below zero we recommend adding a foot of mulch as protection which can be removed in the spring time when the danger of severe freezing temperatures has passed. Otherwise, rest assured occasionally cold temperatures are good for bulbs. Back to Top |
|
What type of fertilizer should I use?Fertilizer is not necessary but for increased performance a small application of Bulb Booster or bone meal is acceptable. It is more important to make sure the pH level of your soil is correct. Back to Top |
|
What is the right pH level of soil for bulbs?Having the right pH level in your soil is important for bring out the true flower color. The ideal pH level for bulbs is between 6 and 7. To check your pH level, bring a soil sample to your local retailer or inexpensive testing kits are available for sale. Back to Top |
|
What do I do after my bulbs have bloomed in the spring?Let the leaves die down naturally, do not cut them off or mow over them. After bulbs have bloomed it is important to let them rest because during this period, the bulb is gathering nutrients from the soil and growing so that it can bloom again next year. Back to Top |
|