Fall is for Planting Bulbs
Norm Mofjeld, Anoka County Extension Master Gardener
Fall is a great time to add more color to your garden by planting bulbs. While bulbs require careful digging and placement now, your efforts will be rewarded with early-blooming flowers next spring.
Usually when we talk about bulbs, this category includes true bulbs such as tulips as well as rhizomes (iris), tubers (dahlias), and corms (crocus). All types can be hardy or tender; it is important to plant the hardy type in the fall so they will survive the winter.
Hardy bulbs require a cold period before they develop flowers in the spring, and planting them in the fall allows time for roots to grow before the ground freezes. The benefit of hardy bulbs is that once you plant them, they will continue to bloom year after year with minimal care. There are endless varieties of hardy bulbs to choose from – you don’t need to limit yourself to tulips or daffodils. Alliums, snowdrop, and fritillaria are just a few other choices that can add variety and length to your spring flower show.
Here are some tips for selecting and preparing your planting site:
• Do a soil test if you haven’t already done one in the last three to five years.
• Bulbs do best in rich soil that drains well. If you have heavy clay soil, you may need to amend it to prevent rotting.
• Avoid planting in areas that are prone to standing water.
• Resist the urge to add fertilizer unless your soil test recommends it, and stick to using compost.
• Plant bulbs in an area that gets several hours of light each day.
Most fall-planted bulbs are available from August to September. When purchasing bulbs, make sure they are firm and free of mold, and look for any signs of disease or damage.
Follow the directions for planting; the general rule is to plant bulbs two to three times deeper than their diameter. However, this is where your soil test is important. If you have sandy soil, plant your bulbs one to two inches deeper. If your soil is on the heavier side, set them in an inch or two shallower.
After planting, cover your bulb with two to three inches of mulch to conserve moisture and moderate the temperature. Mulching is especially important if you are planting along a building foundation with a southern or western exposure. Mark the location of the bulbs to avoid accidently digging them up in the future when the flowers and stems are no longer visible.
When your bulbs emerge next year, water them thoroughly during dry weather but avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly as the flowers begin to die. If you eventually need to move your bulbs to avoid overcrowding, do so after the foliage has turned yellow and withered.
Fall-planted bulbs will perk up your spring garden, and now is the perfect time give them a try or add more varieties! For more bulb-planting tips, visit: https://extension.umn.edu/master-gardener/become-master-gardener to apply.