It may feel a little early to be thinking about spring, but the best spring gardens begin in the fall! Now is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus and alliums.
There’s something pretty magical about planting a handful of seemingly ordinary bulbs in the fall and then waiting for them to surprise you with a burst of color after a long Midwest winter.
Why Plant Bulbs in the Fall?
Spring-flowering bulbs need a period of cold temperatures in order to bloom properly. Planting them in the fall gives the bulbs time to establish roots before the ground freezes. Then, once winter passes and temperatures begin to warm, they're ready to put on their spring show.
In other words: do a little work now, enjoy the payoff later!
When Should You Plant?
For Midwest gardeners, the sweet spot is generally fall, after the heat of summer has passed but before the ground freezes.
A good rule of thumb is to plant when nighttime temperatures are consistently cooler and the soil is still workable. Don't worry if you don't get them in immediately—bulbs can generally be planted well into fall as long as you can still dig into the soil.
Pick the Right Spot
Most spring bulbs prefer full sun to part sun and well-drained soil. Remember that a location that gets plenty of sun in early spring may become shadier once trees leaf out, so think ahead when choosing your planting spot.
Bulbs are especially beautiful when planted in:
- Garden beds and borders
- Around trees and shrubs
- Along walkways
- In clusters or drifts throughout the landscape
- Containers for a pop of spring color
How Deep Should You Plant?
A general rule is to plant bulbs about 2–3 times as deep as the bulb is tall, measuring from the base of the bulb to the soil surface.
For example, a 2-inch-tall bulb would generally be planted about 4–6 inches deep.
Always check the planting directions for the specific variety, since recommended depths can vary.
And don't forget: pointy end up!
Think Beyond Tulips
There are so many bulbs to choose from, and mixing different varieties can give you color from early spring through late spring.
- Crocus – One of the earliest signs that winter is finally losing its grip.
- Daffodils – Cheerful, dependable and available in a wide range of sizes and shades of yellow and white.
- Hyacinths – Beautiful blooms with an unmistakable fragrance.
- Tulips – From classic cups to fringed, parrot and double blooms, there's a tulip for practically every garden style.
- Alliums – Their tall stems and round flower heads add architectural interest and are a favorite for pollinators.
Plant in Groups for Greater Impact
One lonely tulip can be pretty, but a group of bulbs makes a statement! For a more natural look, plant bulbs in clusters or drifts rather than evenly spaced rows.
You can also layer bulbs with different bloom times to create a succession of color throughout the spring.
A Little Midwest Reality Check
If squirrels and other critters have discovered your bulb garden in the past, consider choosing bulbs that are less appealing to them, such as daffodils and alliums, or protect newly planted bulbs with a physical barrier until the ground freezes.
One Last Tip
After planting, give your bulbs a good watering if the soil is dry. Then add a layer of mulch after the ground begins to cool to help insulate the soil and protect bulbs from dramatic temperature swings.
Then comes the hardest part of gardening:
Waiting.
But when that first crocus pops up, followed by daffodils, tulips and alliums, you'll be very glad you planted a little bit of spring before winter arrived.
So while you're enjoying your mums and pumpkins this fall, don't forget to plant a little sunshine for next spring!