​Plant Spring Blooming Bulbs in the Fall and Plant Summer Blooming Bulbs in the Spring. We usually refer to “bulbs” in a general way lumping all packaged planting flowers into this category regardless if they are a true “bulb” or are officially called something else like corm, rhizome or tuber. Regardless of there official name, bulbs are typically easy to care for plants. They are usually drought tolerant once established and can take a wide range of conditions from full to part sun with some preferring shade. They can be planted with other plants in the landscape or in containers. Many are deer resistant. Bulbs can benefit the environment and help support pollinators!

Why Plant Bulbs in the Fall? Spring blooming bulbs typically need a cold period before they bloom, so that is why we plant them in the fall, looking forward to the beauty they provide us during late winter through spring.
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Spring Bulbs are Beneficial. The leaves absorb CO2 converting it into oxygen (photosynthesis), while many blooming bulb-flowers also benefit pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds by providing nectar when many other flowers aren’t blooming yet.  Spring bulbs can provide up to 6 months of bloom (when staggered very early, early, mid and late if all types are planted). They can also make us feel “happy”. Our winters tend to be rainy and gloomy, so seeing bright patches of color can make us feel better during this time of the year. Many bulbs are also fragrant and useful as cut flowers, allowing us to bring some of our outside world indoors.

What Bulbs can be Planted in Fall? So many species and varieties of: Allium (ornamental onion), Anemone, Camassia, Crocus, Daffodils, Fritillaria, Grape Hyacinths (Muscari), Hyacinths, Iris, Ranunculus, Snowdrops (Galanthus), Tulips. And of course edible Onions and Garlic can be planted in fall or spring.

6 Bulb Planting Tips:
1. Plant in Masses for Best Appeal. Large clumps or masses of plants makes a better visual display than scattered smaller numbers.
2. Plant Different Varieties with Varied Bloom Times.   Spring Bulbs can start in late January – May and usually will be classified as: very early, early, mid and late- so make sure you have some of each for continuous blooms that can be provided up to 6 months!  
3. Use Organic Bulb or “starter” fertilizer and Soil Amendment in the Planting Hole. Get off to a good start by adding a good organic fertilizer (that contains bone meal) by G&B or EB Stone into the planting hole and mix the soil with an amendment like “planting compost” to help feed the soil for healthy and beautiful plants. Fertilize yearly in spring and fall for long lasting, reliable blooms.
4. Plant in Containers. Layer bulbs like lasagna, either mass plant single or mix varieties. You can plant perennials (Heuchera or Hellebores; small shrubs & dwarf trees; grasses) and trailing ground covers (Vinca, Ivy) on top of the bulbs for a year-round color that always changes when blooms emerge.
5. Force Bloom Indoors. Buy extra bulbs to force early bloom indoors. Then plant outdoors after bloom to let the plants rest. Planted bulbs make great gifts!
6. After Die-Back, Cut Back. After plants have bloomed you can cut off the blooming stalk, but leave the foliage for later. Allow the plant to die back prior to cutting down to a few inches so the energy is reabsorbed into the bulb. Or leave the leaves on and allow them to naturally compost. Some plants may have leaves are that semi-evergreen. 

Why Buy your Bulbs at Zenith Holland Nursery? We have a huge selection of some of the coolest bulbs you can’t get at box stores. You will also help support local business, which is a great thing to feel good about. Stop in and see how you can create yard envy in your neighborhood, we are happy to help you with your selections.