Plant Care

Plant for Spring

Even without a green thumb, flower bulbs are very easy to grow and by spending just a few hours this fall out in the garden can produce an explosion of color come spring.

To start, purchase the largest bulbs you can find. The more mature the bulb is the larger the flowers are. Try to plant them soon after you purchase them so that they have time to establish roots before winter. Or if you need to store them for a little while, choose a cool, dry place.

Most spring bulbs prefer full to part sun along with well-drain soil. Avoid planting them in shady, wet areas where water may pool in the spring. Dig a hole or a trench large enough for several bulbs, you’ll create a better show of color if the bulbs are planted in groupings (6-24 per hole) as opposed to one per hole. The bulb size will dictate how deep to plant them.

Typically if they are large bulbs like tulips, daffodils, or alliums, then planting depth should be 8 to 12 inches. Smaller bulbs like those of crocus and snowdrops, then 4 to 6 inches is deep enough. Space each bulb slightly in the hole, anywhere from 1 to 3 inches apart. Once planted water thoroughly and prior to frost apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch for winter insulation. Don’t forget to plant a few extra to use a cut flowers in the spring!