Planting Bulbs Guide

What are bulbs anyway?

A bulb is essentially a storage solution for plants, all the food they need is concentrated in a compact, onion-shaped mass. “True bulbs have scales, which are fleshy and become leaves after the bulb begins to grow,” says our resident expert grower, Richard.

Which bulbs are the best/easiest to grow?

Bulbs are a great beginning for gardeners because they don’t need special growing techniques or knowledge. Since the nutrients are stored in the bulb, fancy soil preparation isn’t necessary. The hardest part may be figuring out which way to orient the bulb when you plant. For this reason, Richard recommends big bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and alliums: “The larger the bulb size, the more obvious the roots, which helps when determining which side is up.”

When is the best time to plant bulbs?

Soon. But if you have plans this weekend, don’t fret. “The planting time for bulbs is a long window of time during this season,” says Richard. “Rule of thumb for most is to have the root in for six weeks before the ground is frozen”.

Tip: Tulips can be damaged by warm soil, so they are planted later in warmer climates. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place, like a garage, shed, or larder.

How many bulbs should you plant together?

Plant in clumps (not rows) and plant them closer than the instructions recommend, says Richard. His tips for specific bulbs: “For allium, you will plant them in threes. For daffodils and tulips, ten to twelve in a group is best. I like it when they emerge looking like generous swaths or drifts of blooms planted closely are beautiful. For daffodils and tulips, I only give them two to three inches apart. For crocus, plant them in groups very close together for a great show in spring.”

Be sure to check out our fantastic selection of bulbs in store this season.