Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs

Check out our YouTube video, where Sharon walks you through all the steps to plant spring flowering bulbs! (Spoiler alert: It’s so simple!)

We’ve got a lot of gloomy, gray months ahead, but planting bulbs now before the ground freezes will allow us to look forward to some beautiful blooms in those first warmer days of the year. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are popular choices for gardeners where we live in Zone 6. If you’re interested in planting some bulbs this year, here are some tips: 

Why Plant in Late Fall?

Late fall, when soil temperatures are cooling down but not yet frozen, is ideal for bulb planting. This timing helps bulbs establish roots in chilly soil without the risk of early sprouting that could be damaged by winter frost. For Zone 6, the best time to plant bulbs is usually from mid-October through mid-November, though it can stretch into December if temperatures remain above freezing.

1. Choose the Right Bulbs for Your Garden

• Tulips: Available in many colors and shapes, tulips are a springtime favorite. They work well in both garden beds and containers.

• Daffodils: Known for their hardiness and pest resistance, daffodils naturalize well, meaning they’ll come back year after year. Plus, they are deer resistant which is important in our area! 

• Crocuses: These small but mighty flowers are some of the first to bloom in early spring, often peeking through the snow.

• Hyacinths: Fragrant and colorful, hyacinths make a great addition to garden borders and offer a pop of color and scent.

2. Prepare the Soil

Bulbs do best in well-draining soil. Bulbs can rot if they sit in waterlogged soil, so i your soil tends to hold water, consider adding some sand or compost to improve drainage. Dig and loosen the soil to about 8–12 inches to make sure it’s ready to welcome the bulbs.

3. Planting Depth and Spacing

• Tulips and Daffodils: Plant 6–8 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart.

• Crocuses: These smaller bulbs should be planted about 3 inches deep and spaced 2–3 inches apart.

• Hyacinths: Plant 6 inches deep and 4 inches apart.

Generally, a good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth about three times their height, but most packets of bulbs will include planting instructions for depth which you can follow.

4. Positioning Bulbs Correctly

Place each bulb with the pointed end facing up and the flat, rooted end down.

5. Water After Planting

Once planted, give the bulbs a good watering to encourage root development. In a typical year, they won’t need much water beyond this, but this year has been exceptionally dry so take care to water appropriately. You can also add a layer of mulch, which helps insulate the soil and retain moisture.

6. Protect Your Bulbs from Pests

In areas with lots of squirrels or chipmunks, bulbs like tulips can be vulnerable to being dug up. To protect them, you may choose to lay chicken wire over the soil after planting and cover it lightly with mulch. The animals won’t be able to reach the bulbs, but come spring, your plants will easily grow through the wire.

After the ground freezes, your bulbs will settle into dormancy through winter. They’re preparing for a burst of growth once temperatures warm up in spring. You may want to mark where you've planted them so you can anticipate where the blooms will emerge.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do bulbs take to bloom?
  Most spring bulbs bloom 2–3 weeks after the soil warms up in early spring. The timing varies slightly based on the variety.

• Can I plant bulbs if it’s already very cold?
  Yes, but do it before the ground freezes completely. If you miss the window, you can also try planting in containers and keeping them in a cool, frost-free space like a garage for winter, moving them outdoors in early spring.

• What if I’m worried about heavy snow?
  Bulbs are naturally winter-hardy, and snow actually acts as insulation. Your spring bulbs should be safe, even in heavy snow.

Planting bulbs in late fall is a great way to set up a beautiful spring garden! With just a bit of planning and effort now, you can look forward to those first signs of spring popping up in your garden.So grab your gloves, choose some of your favorite bulbs, and dig in!