Plant Bulbs Now for a Spring Color Show!

I’ve decided to add a variety of spring-flowering bulbs to my garden, and the fall months are the perfect time to plant them. Gardeners always feel a lift to their spirits when they notice the first crocus or daffodil peek through the soil. It means spring is on the way!

Selecting Bulbs

For the best selection, buy bulbs from a reputable source in the fall, as soon as they are available. Examine bulbs to ensure they are firm and appear healthy – not moldy, bruised or discolored. Store newly purchased bulbs in a cool, dry place under 60 degrees until planting. Plant in the fall when soil temperature is a consist 60 degrees. To determine your soil temperature, go to www.georgiaweather.net.

Planting and Care of Bulbs

Treat bulbs as you would any other plant. Plant them in full sun, in well-drained soil, with adequate water and nutrients, and then stand back and enjoy. For the best impact, mass plant bulbs one to two inches apart – the more plants, the bigger the impact.

Many people get confused about how deep to plant bulbs. As a general rule, according to the International Bulb Society, you can plant large bulbs (2 inches or more) about 8 inches deep and smaller bulbs (1 inch) 5 inches deep.

Over the years, bulbs can multiple and need to be thinned. Overcrowding is a key reason why bulbs cease to bloom. Dig them up, divide and plant them again around the garden. Do not dig up bulbs to be divided and transplanted until the foliage has turned yellow and starts to wither. Replant immediately or store in a cool location and replant in the fall.

Designing with Bulbs

Plant your garden beds with masses of spring-flowering bulbs, combined with evergreens and later-blooming plants, for continual color throughout the growing season. Pansies, sedums, parsley and spreading phlox are low-growing additions to plant in front of bulbs. Daylilies and hostas, planted behind the low-growers but in front of bulbs, will come up after flowering bulbs are spent and will help hide their yellowing foliage. Rosemary and ornamental kale and cabbage make attractive backdrops for flowering bulbs.

Spring-Blooming Bulb Recommendations for the Georgia Garden

Common Grape Hyacinth (Muscari spp.) – The fragrant and tiny flower clusters resemble grapes and are one of the easiest blubs to grow and naturalize.

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus spp.) – Plant for fragrance and choose from unlimited colors.

Iris (Iris spp.) – Siberian and bearded iris are tall, late spring bloomers in vivid, deep colors.

Narcissus (Narcissus spp.) –Daffodils and the smaller jonquils are in this family, with showy trumpet-like flowers in yellow and white.

Rain Lily (Zephyranthes spp.) – White flowers are often seen along Georgia roadways after a rain.

Snowdrop (Galanthus spp.) – These nodding, white flowers are one of the first harbingers of spring.

Tulip (Tulipa spp.) – Tulips are best used as an annual in Georgia. Plant a cluster each year for best performance. Tulips come in a rainbow of colors and are wonderful in cut flower arrangements.

Why not add some spring-flowering bulbs this fall and enjoy the color show next spring!