Want to know the best time to plant tulip bulbs in the fall – and how to plant your bulbs in just the right way to ensure big spring color early next year?
There is nothing quite like seeing the brilliant bloom of a tulip unfold after a long, bleak, colorless winter. Not only are their bright flowers a signal that winter is coming to an end, they also fill the landscape with some of the first true vibrant colors of the season.
From brilliant red, yellow and white hues, to purple, pink, orange and nearly everything in between, tulips can be found bursting forth in a near endless variety of colors and variations. But to get those blooms and colors to pop up in early spring – it takes planting them for success in the fall. With that in mind, here is a look at how to know the perfect time for planting – and how to plant your bulbs with power!
The Best Time To Plant Tulip Bulbs In The Fall – And How To Plant For Big Blooms Next Spring!
One of the biggest keys when planting tulips is to put them into the ground at just the right time. If you plant too early, you leave them highly susceptible to rot. In addition, bulbs planted in late summer or very early fall have the potential to sprout and grow – leaving them in danger of freezing out over winter.
Unfortunately, if you plant them too late, the bulbs may not have enough time to “chill” down. That can lead to tulips that have trouble sprouting, or even if they do, tulips that won’t bloom. Late planted bulbs also have a higher potential to freeze out as well.
So what is the best time for planting tulips in the fall? To give them the best chance of success, planting should occur four to six weeks before your area’s first average hard freeze. Depending on the region you live in, that can be anywhere from early September to late December.
This allows them to go into the cooler fall soil with enough time to adjust before the ground freezes. For northern climates, it’s best to plant in mid-September through October. For warmer southern and southwestern climates, November through December is usually best for planting.
How To Plant For Success – The Best Time To Plant Tulip Bulbs In The Fall & How To Do It!
In addition to planting your bulbs at the right time, giving them a proper planting hole with plenty of nutrients will go a long way toward big flowering success next spring.
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make when planting tulips is not creating a deep or wide enough planting hole. Depending on the variety you will be growing, your planting depth and hole size will vary. A good rule of thumb is to dig holes to a depth of three to four times the width of the bulb. As an example, a one inch wide bulb should go in the ground at a depth of around 3 to 4 inches.
When it comes to how wide to make the planting hole, always allow for at least 1/2 to 1 inch of room around the bulb. This gives plenty of space for easy growth.
There are several methods for digging bulb holes efficiently. If your soil is loose and easy to work with, a hand held bulb planter will work wonders. A good pair of post hole diggers is also great for creating holes quickly as well. They also have the advantage of allowing you to stand up while digging.
Perhaps one of the best tools of all is a metal drill auger bit. You can find bits in a wide variety of widths and lengths. They easily attach to a power drill in seconds. The auger bit drills into the soil quickly to create a hole with loose soil to fill back in. Affiliate Product Link: K-Brands Premium Auger Drill Bit Set – 2 Pack
Energizing The Planting Hole – The Best Time To Plant Tulip Bulbs In The Fall & How To Do It!
Once your planting hole is ready, the next step is to fill it with lots of power. This is one step that many gardeners skip – and yet it really is critical to give your bulbs the energy they need to bloom big next spring!
The best way to power tulip bulbs is with compost and worm castings. Both are loaded with all of the nutrients a tulip bulb needs to thrive. Even more, that power can absorb easily into the bulb as it grows next spring. Affiliate Product Link: 100% Pure Organic Worm Castings Fertilizer
Once the planting hole is the right depth, place an equal amount of castings and compost (about 1/4 cup each) in the bottom two inches of your hole. Next, plant the bulb down in the hole, pushing the bulb down into the compost/ casting mix. Always keep the tip of the bulb facing up.
To finish, fill the rest of the hole with an equal mix of soil and compost. Water the surface of the soil to add moisture and help the mix settle in around the bulb. This surrounds the bulbs with a nutrient-filled casing. One that will help provide adequate resources when it comes time to sprout, grow and bloom.
Complete with a light 2″ coating of straw or shredded hardwood mulch on top. The mulch will help insulate the soil through winter. It also helps to conserve moisture for the bulb. Perhaps even more importantly, it will also aid in keeping squirrels and chipmunks from digging up your bulbs. 4 Secrets To Keep Fall Planted Bulbs Safe From Squirrels & Chipmunks!
How To Space Tulip Bulbs – The Best Time To Plant Tulip Bulbs In The Fall & How To Do It!
When it comes to spacing tulip bulbs, it all boils down to the type of display you wish to create. Tulips perform well and look great when growing in clusters. But you can also plant them in single rows to create a border as well.
Small clusters add a touch of color all over the landscape. On the other hand, rows of bulbs spaced just a few inches apart will create a welcoming trail of color. No matter how you are planting, space bulbs with a minimum of 2″ between bulbs to allow for adequate resources from the soil.
Here is to knowing when to plant your tulip bulbs this fall. And even more, to planting them with big power for even bigger blooms next spring! For more on tulips, check out our article: When To Cut Back Tulips – What To Do With Tulips After They Bloom!
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This Is My Garden is a garden website created by gardeners, for gardeners. Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books and speaking for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. They publish three articles every week, 52 weeks a year. Sign up today to follow via email, or follow along!