Kelly Jackson
Christian County Extension Office
Planting Bulbs This Fall
Fall is the time to think about all those flowers we associate with spring: daffodils, crocus, and other easy-to-grow flowering bulbs. If you aren’t growing any spring-flowering bulbs in your landscape, you are missing out on some easy-to-grow plants that provide early color to your garden.
These bulbs are planted in fall because it corresponds to the end of their natural dormancy. Most of these plants begin root growth in fall, followed by a cool stratification period necessary for proper flower development and then shoot growth in late winter and early spring.
No matter which bulbs you select, remember that the largest bulbs will produce the greatest show next spring. However, smaller bulbs will still produce some flowers, and these may be the best choice for mass planting or naturalizing. Avoid any bulbs that feel lightweight as these may have severely dried during storage.
The general rule of thumb for proper planting depth is two to three times as deep as the height of the bulb. Depth is measured from the top of the bulb to the soil surface. A light application of bone meal fertilizer at planting is often recommended, though probably not necessary. Most bulbs do not need fertilization until growth emerges in the spring. When you see plants emerging, apply 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of a complete fertilizer (like 10-10-10).
Bulbs make an attractive addition to any garden and extend the gardening season. They can be used in the perennial border, naturalized areas, rock gardens, foundation plantings, flower and containers. Wherever they are planted, but be sure they will receive a minimum of five to six hours of sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight results in larger blooms and healthier, hardier plants. This is due to their increased ability to produce stored foods for next year’s growth. The best type of soil for bulbs has good drainage coupled with good water-holding capacity. You can improve heavy soils by adding compost, leaf mold, or peat moss.
Once flowering occurs, remove the faded blooms, but don’t remove the foliage. The leaves produce sugars and other compounds necessary for the bulb to overwinter and bloom again the next spring. Most bulbs will enter dormancy in late spring or early summer and will renew growth, starting with the root system in the fall.
