GARDENING FACT SHEET:
Click to View Printable PDF file: “Spring and Summer Blooming Bulbs”
Spring Blooming Bulbs
Examples of Spring blooming bulbs:
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- Tulips
- Muscari
- Daffodil
- Hyacinths
- Iris
- Allium
- Crocus
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Spring blooming bulbs are planted in the fall
They are typically planted in the fall because they need to go through an essential cold period that allows them to take root and later bloom in the early spring months. Because of this, planting them in the spring is usually not possible.
Exception: cold stratified and pre sprouted bulbs
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- The exception to this rule is when bulbs have been cold stratified and presprouted. Pre-sprouted bulbs are a great way to still enjoy spring without waiting a whole year to plant in the fall.
- An added benefit is that they can be enjoyed indoors, or they can be planted straight in the ground for nearly instant spring color in your garden.
- The best part is that because these hardy bulbs are made for cool weather, you can still have color regardless of Spring’s unpredictability.
Summer Blooming Bulbs
Summer flowering bulbs include:
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- Dahlias
- Lilies
- Begonias
- Anemones
- Gladiolas
Most summer-blooming bulbs need to be planted in warm, well-drained soil.
If you want to give your bulbs a head start, you can plant them indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost and then transplant outside once the soil has warmed.
Summer bulbs will not tolerate a freeze and need to be dug up in the fall.
Apart from lilies, summer bulbs will not tolerate a freeze and need to be dug up in the fall. To save the them, dig them up after the first fall frost, cutting the stalk to about 2 inches above the ground. Allow the tubers to dry in the sun for a day or two, then store them in vermiculite or dry sand, in a cool basement or similar location. Replant the following spring!
Click to View Printable PDF file: “Spring and Summer Blooming Bulbs”
