In order to get the best bulbs to plant in the fall for spring flowers, you should be planning in the summer. You want to pick bulbs for your particular region, climate and soil. Don’t do what I did and try to plant all the wrong bulbs in my Florida garden. I soon learned that my favorite daffodils and hyacinths would not survive here. Bulb catalogs come out in the summer, and it’s best to order early. If you’re lucky enough to have a local garden center that sells fresh bulbs, be there as soon as they come in so you can get the best and healthiest.
Health and Size Does Matter
With bulbs, you want to get the largest you possibly can, because according to Colorado State University, “there is a direct correlation between bulb and flower size.” Reject bulbs with signs of damage or the presence of mold. Large, healthy bulbs will guarantee a brilliant display in the spring.
Sunlight and Soil
Where are your bulbs going to be planted? Some bulbs grow well in the shade, while some need full sun. Before choosing bulbs for your garden, decide which ones will do best in your available light.
Bulbs need light, airy soil. Heavy soil that readily compacts, such as clay, will cause the bulbs to rot during rainy spells. If you have soil that isn’t conducive to growing bulbs, you should consider growing them in containers. I like to use this layering technique to ensure a never-ending display of blooms in the container all spring.
Height, Color and Foliage
While you’re poring over those tempting bulb catalogs, think about what kind of display you want in the garden. Do you want a mass planting of one flower, or a cottage garden effect? Look for colors that fit in well with your house color and other plantings. Choose foliage that will be attractive and add texture once the blooms are gone.
Storing Your Bulbs Until Fall
Most mail-order bulb companies send your bulbs at the time of year they should be planted, but if they send them early, you’ll have to store them. When you get your bulbs in the mail, they may already be in storage material, such as peat moss. It’s important to store them properly until fall. Most bulbs can be stored in peat moss, but some require vermiculite or sand. Some bulbs are stored in paper bags and some like to be left bare in the storage medium. I’ve found that once they are packed into the proper medium, the bottom rack or crisper in the refrigerator is a safe place to store them.
As you can see, it’s a little more complicated than just buying bulbs and sticking them into the ground. Take the time to do it right, and you’ll have a blooming spring garden that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
More from Deborah Aldridge:
Get Your Garden Ready for Fall Planting
To Buy or Not to Buy Markdown Plants
Colorful Heat-Tolerant Shrubs that Add a Pop to the Garden
