Select Quality Bulbs
We supply a variety of quality bulbs at Jolly Lane Greenhouse, so you're guaranteed to get good bulbs to plant. However, when picking out bulbs to plant in the fall, it's important to choose bulbs that are plump and firm and not soft or mushy. Also make sure they do not have any mold growing on them as they won't produce good flowers in the spring.
Plant at the Right Time
It's best to plant these bulbs as soon as the ground starts to cool. If night temperatures are on average between 40 to 50 degrees, then that's the perfect time, and roughly six weeks before the ground freezes completely. They can be stored in a cool, dry place for a month or longer if necessary.
Pick the Right Spot
It's important when you're planting flowers to make sure they're in a spot that will ensure they succeed and grow. There needs to be plenty of sunlight for good growth and the soil needs to be well-drained as well.
Dig a Big Enough Hole
The general rule of thumb is when planting flowers and bulbs to dig a hole twice as deep as the bulb is high. So if there is a four inch high bulb, dig an eight inch deep hole for the bulb to go in. This will ensure it survives the hard frost and cold temperatures but still gets enough moisture. Also make sure when you plant them that the pointy side goes up. If there is no pointy side, the side that the roots come out of logically gets planted down.
Plant the Proper Bulbs at the Proper Time
There are specific bulbs to plant in the fall and others that you'll want to wait to plant until after winter. Bulbs that should be planted in the fall months (September-October) include Allium, Crocus, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Muscari and Tulips to name a few. Also, The Allium and Daffodils are deer resistant as many of us deal with deer browsing too. If you have any questions about planting flowers or picking out which bulbs to plant in the fall, stop on in to Jolly Lane and we'd be happy to help answer any of your questions!