Summer has come to a close and we are enjoying the beautiful fall color. It’s the perfect time to also evaluate your landscape. Soon the snow will cover the ground and we will eagerly await the first signs of spring. You can ensure plentiful blooms early in the season by taking time to plant bulbs now.
Not sure what to plant? If you are looking for the quintessential first sign of spring, look no further than the hyacinth. A delightful pop of color at the end of a long winter, this bloom also produces a lovely fragrance. To attract bees and butterflies, Allium will do the trick. Additionally, deer and rabbits tend to shy away from these plants due to the rather pungent aroma they can give off if the stems are broken. They grow by multiplying naturally and like a sheltered, sunny spot.
Daffodils (narcissus) are especially popular and the official 10th wedding anniversary flower. They make beautiful cut flower displays. However, they contain sap that’s often poisonous to other plants. If you want to mix the with other flowers in a vase, soak them in water for 24 hours first to remove the sap. Looking for some dual-purpose flowers? Tulip petals are actually edible and can be used in place of onions in many recipes. And speaking of food, did you know saffron is a product of the crocus?
Once you have your favorites picked out, it’s time to dig in. Plant at least six weeks before the ground freezes, when temperatures are cool. In the upper Midwest, for instance, late September through mid-November. Rule of green thumb is to dig 3x the height of your bulb. Make sure to plant in a well-drained area. Place your bulbs in the soil, pointy side up.
For a long-lasting display of color, try planting in layers. Start with those that flower last and grow tallest, such as tulips. Once in place, cover with roughly 1 ¼ inches of soil. Next, add bulbs that flower earlier, such as daffodils. Add another layer of soil. Plant smaller bulbs, such as crocus and hyacinth as the last layer. Add a final layer of soil and water well. The spacing of the bulbs depends largely on the effect you are trying to achieve. For best results, plant in large groups rather than single rows.
We have a wide selection of bulbs available along with all the things you need to ensure a gorgeous spring display. Stop in and visit with one of our experts to find out more.