The fall is a great time for planting bulbs that will bloom in the spring, such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinth. Be sure to choose the right type of bulbs for fall planting – generally these are flowers that bloom in the spring. Also, choose an area that receives plenty of sunlight – at least six hours per day – and that offers rich, well-drained soil.
How to Plant Flower Bulbs in the Fall
Prepare the area well by creating a flower bed that is free of weeds and by loosening the soil. You may find it helpful to use a cultivator to do this step and also to work any needed nutrients into the soil in the form of compost. Amend the soil with sand or other elements if necessary.
Typically, the best time to plant bulbs in the fall is about six weeks before the ground freezes. While you want to follow any specific planting instructions for each type of bulb, a general rule is to plant the bulbs about three times as deep as the length of the bulb, and plant with the point upward. Whether it is a daffodil, tulip or hyacinth, the planting depth can vary, so be sure to follow the planting instructions supplied with your bulbs.
Bulbs like to be kept cool ahead of flowering. If you do not expect the ground to freeze in your area, then you may want to chill bulbs before planting. However, don’t store bulbs with fruit because the gasses from fruits can damage flowering bulbs.
Once the bulbs are planted, they’ll remain dormant over winter. Don’t fertilize until you see shoots of growth beginning in the spring, and avoid fertilizing once the bulbs have begun to flower.
