Overview
- Gardeners are being reminded this Thursday that September through December is the main time to plant most spring-flowering bulbs, and planting should stop once the ground is frozen.
- Follow the simple depth rule of about two to three times a bulb’s height, plant the pointy end up, and avoid waterlogged soil so bulbs can form healthy roots before winter.
- Certain species such as scilla, snowdrops, wild crocus and some tulips are well suited to naturalize under trees because they emerge before the canopy fills in and then die back.
- If you have extra bulbs store them cool, dry, dark and well ventilated in breathable material rather than closed plastic to prevent mold and rot.
- Garden centres and online sellers still have wide selections through October and gardeners who miss autumn planting can buy pre-forced bulbs or plan spring planting for summer-flowering types.