Plant fall bulbs for a colorful spring garden
Published on September 23, 2024 at 12:19pm CDT
Growing Green
By Robin Trott, Extension Educator
As fall’s crisp air settles in, many gardeners are trading their tools for pumpkin spice lattes. But before fully embracing this cozy season, there’s one last important garden task to consider: planting bulbs! Late September and early October are ideal times to plant for a colorful spring display. Your future self will thank you.
Why Plant Bulbs Now?
Although you can plant as late as October 20, earlier is better. Bulbs need time to root before the ground freezes, ensuring vibrant spring blooms. Think of it as a head start on a beautiful garden you’ll enjoy as soon as the snow melts.
Choosing the Right Bulbs
Tulips and daffodils are classic choices but consider mixing it up. Allium offers bold, round blooms, while glory of the snow (Chionodoxa) adds delicate, star-shaped flowers. Look for firm, undamaged bulbs—larger ones bloom better. While tulips often act like annuals, daffodils and allium return year after year. Investing in quality bulbs pays off.
How to Plant Bulbs
Plant in clusters for a lush look. Dig a wide hole for 10-20 bulbs to save time and create dense blooms. Follow the package’s depth instructions, as different bulbs require different planting depths. Water well after planting.
Tips for Success
To extend blooming from April to June, select bulbs with staggered bloom times. Daffodils are also a great choice if you have trouble with burrowing critters like voles—they tend to avoid them.
Though it may seem like a lot of work, with the right method, you can plant dozens or even hundreds of bulbs quickly. The reward? A stunning spring garden that will make your fall efforts worth it.
For more information, visit University of Minnesota Extension at https://extension.umn.edu/how/planting-bulbs-tubers-and-rhizomes
Until next time, happy gardening!
For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at extdigest@umn.edu. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
