As kids, we wondered how mom got those gorgeous daffodils to come up every spring in the same place. It seemed like magic. Now, we know that achieving those miraculous spring blooms requires careful planning and hard work in the fall. We plant favorite bulbs, like daffodils and tulips, in the fall so they can go through the cold period they need to activate them. Once the soil warms, we watch them pop in a burst of color. It’s always a joy to behold. Bulb plants are low maintenance, and many varieties bloom early in the season, bringing brightness to your landscape before you plant your annuals. How delightful is it to see colorful crocuses blooming while there’s still snow on the ground?
What Types Of Bulbs Can I Plant In The Fall For Spring Color?
There’s a lovely variety of beautiful bulb blooms to suit every landscape. Most gardeners love the old classics while leaving room to experiment with new choices.
- Tulips are at the top of almost everyone’s list. There are more than 3,000 different varieties to choose from, and they bloom at different times. Play with colors and shapes, but plant strategically to ensure vibrant color throughout the spring.
- Daffodils are more than just the bright yellow blooms we know and love. They also come in lovely whites, oranges and shades of peach. Often arriving on the scene in March, their early blooms tell us spring has truly arrived.
- Hyacinths offer gorgeous colors, including popular pinks and purples. Unlike some of the other bulb beauties, they smell fabulous too.
- Elegant irises add fabulous color and a majestic touch to borders and outbuildings.
- Snowdrops are the harbinger of spring. They are usually the first blooms we see peeking out of the ground as winter says goodbye.
- Crocuses are another delightful early bloomer, a perfect low-lying complement to walkways and around trees.
- Allium is a super fun but less familiar bloom. Their round heads on thick stems add flair to any landscape. Another advantage is that deer and rabbits aren’t fans and may avoid your beds.
When Is The Best Time To Plant Bulbs In Fall?
We want to plant our bulbs after the heart of early fall subsides and before the ground freezes. The bulbs thrive in cool, moist soil and can tolerate winter temperatures. When they sense the soil warming in the spring, they know it’s time to bloom. October is the sweet spot for planting bulbs in Northern Virginia. However, we can usually start in September and continue through early November.
How Should I Plant My Bulbs?
Thoughtful, well-planned planting is your best bet for healthy spring blooms.
- Ensure your bulbs are firm and free of mold, soft spots or an unpleasant odor.
- Determine which plants need full sun, partial sun or shade and check the package for recommended planting depth. Remember that once you remove your bulbs from the bag, they look alike, so keep them in a labeled area.
- Prepare your soil and ensure adequate drainage so your bulbs won’t rot.
- Dig a hole at the recommended depth and plant your bulb with the pointed end facing up. If you’re planting extensively, you can buy special tools to make the holes just right. Most experts recommend a depth of 2 or 3 times the bulb’s height, with 4 to 6 inches between bulbs.
- Fill the hole gently and avoid packing the soil too tightly.
- Water after planting, but regular watering over the winter isn’t necessary.
- You can add a layer of mulch for warmth, but clear it in time for spring blooms.
Where Should I Plant My Bulbs?
Many bulb plants thrive in full sun, but be sure to check the package to confirm. You can plant bulbs anywhere, but most clients love them as borders. They add color around trees and structures and along walkways, retaining walls, driveways and other hardscaping. You can also go for the “woodland garden” look, with less structured plantings for a lovely fairytale vibe. Bulb plants are perennials and come back every year. They also have a tendency to reproduce and expand. You may eventually need to divide your bulbs as they expand to avoid overcrowding.
What If Pests Try To Eat My Bulbs?
Some animals, including mice and squirrels, love flower bulbs. However, not all bulbs are equally tasty as snacks. Fortunately, we can take effective measures to deter rodents and other animals.
- Lay a mesh screen or chicken wire cage over the soil to cover your bulbs.
- Some gardeners apply a layer of gravel to deter rodents.
- Blood meal, a fertilizer made from dried animal blood, is an excellent rodent repellent.
- Consider mixing bulbs that pests love (like tulips and crocus) with those they’re less fond of (like daffodils and allium).
How Do I Design The Most Beautiful Bulb Beds?
Planning your spring beds in the fall is a labor of love that takes vision and skill. It’s often daunting for first-time gardeners, but it gets easier every season. We advise gardeners to learn about each plant’s bloom date and organize their beds to allow for color throughout the season. Think about your desired color scheme, drawing inspiration from online forums and your favorite neighborhood yards. Make notes each spring of ideas you want to apply when you plant in the fall. Many new gardeners benefit from the help of a trusted landscaper for that first planting to ensure their vision turns into reality in the spring.
Fall Bulbs: How Can My Landscaping Company Help?
One of the most satisfying things about bulbs is that hard work in the fall produces an almost effortless effect in the spring. However, planting bulbs can be a chore, and many gardeners don’t have the design skills to achieve the look they want. The varieties, color schemes and bloom schedules can be overwhelming if you’re just starting. Fortunately, the pros at Epling Landscaping and Lawn Service offer fall bulb planting through November. They can help you plan your retaining walls, roadside beds, mixed borders and woodland plantings. The possibilities are endless with design specialists to help you mindfully design and execute the perfect beds incorporating gorgeous color combos and bloom times. You’ll be so glad you did it in the spring when those blooms seem to pop out of nowhere.
