Plant Spring blooming bulbs in Fall once soil cools to 50 degrees or lower (late September - October).
Planting Depths
Measure hole depth, not depth to top of bulb. Plant pointed side up; space 2–3 times the bulb width apart. Planting depths for commonly grown bulbs in our area:
Fertilizing Bulbs
Tips for Success
More Information
Remember: Plant when nights are in the 40-50 degrees range and before soil freezes.
Measure hole depth, not depth to top of bulb. Plant pointed side up; space 2–3 times the bulb width apart. Planting depths for commonly grown bulbs in our area:
- Tulips – 8"
- Daffodils – 6–8"
- Hyacinths – 6–8"
- Crocus – 3–4"
- Alliums – 6–8" (giants up to 8")
- Snowdrops (Galanthus) – 3"
- Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) – 3–4"
- Scilla (Squill) – 3–4"
- Daffodils, Alliums, Snowdrops, Grape Hyacinths, Fritillaria, Scilla
- Muscari (grape hyacinths) spread readily into clumps - can be aggressive in certain conditions.
- Scilla (squill) can naturalize aggressively where happy.
Fertilizing Bulbs
- When to Fertilize:
- At planting (Fall)
- Again each Spring just as shoots emerge (not after blooming).
- Type: Balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g. 5-10-10 or 10-10-10) or a bulb-specific fertilizer.
- Tip: Avoid high nitrogen (too much leaf, weak bulbs).
- Once vs. Twice? Fertilizing only at planting is enough for one season, but yearly feeding at early Spring growth keeps bulbs strong for long-term perennial bloom.
Tips for Success
- Loose, well-drained soil prevents rot; add compost if needed.
- Water well after planting; usually no extra water until spring.
- Apply 2–3" mulch to regulate temps & prevent frost heaving.
- Plant bulbs in groups of 5–15 for natural impact.
- Mark planting spots—you’ll forget by spring!
- Critter protection: lay chicken wire over beds before mulching.
More Information
- Cornell Gardening Resources
- American Daffodil Society
- RHS Bulb Planting Guides
Remember: Plant when nights are in the 40-50 degrees range and before soil freezes.