Plant flower bulbs now, and your springtime garden will have a spectacular show of color. Fall-planted varieties grow into a beautiful blooming display, and it doesn’t take much time or effort. Bulbs are fast and easy to plant and foolproof enough for gardeners of any skill level. With tons of floral varieties to choose from, bulbs are the ideal choice for brightening up your yard or garden.
Why Fall Is Time to Plant
Successful bulb gardening requires planting at the right time of year. Spring flowering species, called hardy bulbs, take root during the cold winter. These can be planted once the ground is cool, when soil temperatures have dropped to 60 degrees or below. Generally, the right time to plant is when the evening temperatures average between 40 and 50 degrees. Fall is the only time to plant spring flowering varieties, as they need to go into the ground six weeks before it freezes. In order to bloom in the spring, hardy bulbs need plenty of time to develop a root system before frost sets in.
Tips for Planting Fall Flower Bulbs
Large, firm specimens produce the most flowers, so avoid purchasing bulbs that are soft, withered or damaged. Most bulb varieties flourish in areas of full sun, so choose a planting site that will get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, come springtime. It also is important to plant your bulbs at the proper depth. Package directions will typically indicate the necessary depth, but a good rule of thumb is to dig a hole three times the width of the bulb. Plant teardrop-shaped bulbs, such as hyacinth, daffodils and tulips, with the pointy end up. Crocuses and other flat varieties should be planted with the flatter side facing up. It is also a good idea to plant bulbs generously, as not all of them will sprout.
Designing a Flower Bulb Garden
For the greatest impact, plant flower bulbs in clusters rather than spacing them out singularly along a line. You can plan out the clusters by laying the bulbs on the ground to find an arrangement that pleases you, or get a natural effect by randomly planting groups of bulbs. Try layering different types of flower varieties from top to bottom in the same hole to create a visually appealing doubled effect as the flowers bloom intertwined. You can increase the bloom time of your garden by planting a mix of varieties that flower at different stages of spring.
Planting spring flowering bulbs is simple, providing you with a lush, blooming garden all season long. If you would like to learn more about how to plan a gorgeous spring garden, talk to the experts at Millcreek Gardens in Salt Lake City. Their experienced team can help you select the perfect combination of flower bulbs.