Step One: Fall-Planted or Spring Planted
We carry both spring and fall planted flower bulb varieties.
Plant
Allium, Amaryllis, Anemone, Crocus, Daffodil, Grape Hyacinth, Hosta, Hyacinth, Iris Roots & Rhizomes, Lily, Papaver, Peony, Ranunculus, Tulip in fall for two full months of spring blooms. October and November are the recommended months, even later in warm areas of the country. You can plant them any time after first frost. and before the ground freezes, but frozen ground doesn't stop some bulb lovers! Even in places like Vermont, we have customers who have planted Tulips as late as Christmas. By then, it's hard work, since you have to break the frozen ground with a pick or sharp shovel. But the bulbs don't care, and bloom in spring just as if they'd been planted in October. All they need is a several-month freeze underground.
Plant
Anemone, Astilbe, Begonia, Caladium, Calla Lily, Canna Lily, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Daylily, Echinacea, Elephant Ear, Gladiolus, Hosta, Iris, Liatris spicata, Lily, Papaver, Peony, Phlox, Ranunculus Bulbs in spring for a full summer of bloom, right up until frost. Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed and in just a matter of weeks, your garden will come alive!
Step Two: Where to Plant Flower Bulbs
This is a great thing about flower bulbs. They love sun, but will do fine in partial shade. Also, fall-planted bulbs will be blooming when your trees are just leafing out, so shade is minimal. Just don't plant under evergreens. Dahlias are native to Mexico, so they're happiest in full sun, and bloom right through summer heat.
Your soil is probably just fine. Anything from the best garden loam to somewhat rocky or sandy soil will do for most fall-planted bulbs. Remember, Tulips are natives of the Middle East. so they're happy in dry climates. Lilies, and spring-planted bulbs like Dahlias and Glads enjoy richer garden soil. In spring, Mother Nature usually keeps your soil watered, but if there's no rain, all bulbs need regular watering when they're growing and blooming.
Step Three: How to Plant Flower Bulbs
Even if your "mass planting" is just 10 or 12 bulbs, don't try to spread them out. Put them no more than 3 or 4 in. apart. and you'll have a beautiful blast of color, even from just a few bulbs. If you plant 50 or more, it's easier to dig one big trench for them all (instead of individual holes), then just pop them in, and cover with your soil. Spring-planted bulbs like Dahlias are different. Most form bushy plants so even one or two look good.
Can I Use Containers? Yes! Most bulbs, including Daffodils, Tulips, dwarf Dahlias, and the shorter lilies, are great for big patio pots. Use the same planting depth with bulbs close together. But remember, pots need regular deep watering: rain doesn't do it.
Step Four: How to Care for Flowers
In spring, Mother Nature usually keeps your soil watered, but if there's no rain, all bulbs need regular watering when they're growing and blooming. Spring-planted bulbs like Dahlias enjoy standard feeding once they begin their all-summer bloom.
