Plant Them Now for a Colorful Spring Display: These Flowers Thrive When Planted in Late Summer or Fall

September and October are the key months for planting bulbs that will bring tulips, daffodils and hyacinths into bloom next spring. The ideal period begins in late summer and continues through the end of October.

Before planting, gardeners should check the instructions on the package, which often specify the best depth and spacing for each variety. Agronomist Jasmin Hodžić told Agroklub that several details determine whether bulbs will have good conditions for growth.

Bulbs planted in containers need a drainage layer at the bottom. Gravel or pieces of brick can help excess water escape, followed by quality potting soil. Garden planting also requires loose, well-drained soil, because water should not remain around the bulbs and cause them to rot.

The broad end of the bulb, where the roots will grow, should face downward, while the pointed tip should face upward. Planting depth depends on the bulb’s type and size, so the package instructions remain the best guide. Watering after planting encourages the bulbs to establish roots.

The bulbs remain dormant through winter and resume growth as temperatures rise. Depending on the variety, the first flowers may appear at the start of spring. Daffodils and hyacinths are usually among the first to bloom, while tulips tend to show their flowers later. All three prefer sunny spots, although daffodils can also grow in light shade.