You Should Plant Fall Bulbs Now for Beautiful Spring Blooms, According to a Pro

If you love the colorful springtime blooms of daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinths, then fall is the time to plant their bulbs.

I have a few daffodils that have naturalized through the years, but I always supplement them by planting many more daffodil bulbs and other bulbs in the fall to create a show for spring.

Living in the South, some blooms appear in early February, so I plant those bulbs in October. Other types that bloom later in the spring go into the ground in November.

Since fall bulb planting time varies by USDA growing zone, we've created a chart to guide you and offer eight smart tips to ensure beautiful spring blooms.

When to Plant Bulbs in the Fall

Most spring-flowering bulbs can be safely planted across the United States in October and November. For the best results, wait to plant until the soil temperature at planting depth stays below 60 °F. since most bulbs require a 12-to 16-week chilling period to produce flowers.

Planting in the fall allows bulbs to establish and develop good roots before winter. If you live in a temperate area without hard freezes, procrastinators can plant spring-flowering bulbs as late as December.

Which Bulbs Should You Plant in Fall?

Look through any garden retailer, catalog, or website that sells bulbs and you're sure to find the blooms you want for your garden. The choices are almost endless in color, height, and bloom shape. Here's a list of 12 bulbs that should be planted in the fall.

Daffodils, jonquils, narcissus (Narcissus spp. and hybrids)

Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Tulips (Tulipa spp.)

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides spp.)

Dutch Iris (Iris x hollandica)

Fritillaria (Fritillaria spp.)

Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa luciliae)

Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum)

Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.)

Ornamental Onions (Allium)

Wild hyacinth (Camassia scilloides)

Starflower (Ipheion uniflorum)

Fall Bulb Planting Chart

How to Plant Fall Bulbs in Easy Steps

1.Prepare the site. Select a site with good drainage and till the soil so it is loose and crumbly. Supplement poor soil by working compost into the site. The soil should be moist but never muddy.

2.Dig the proper-sized holes. Each bulb should have a separate hole deep enough so that the bulb is planted at a depth of two to three times its diameter. To promote strong root growth, dig the hole an additional 2 to 3 inches below the planting depth to loosen the soil before placing the bulb.

3.Plant the bulbs correctly. Be sure to position the bulb in the hole with the root side down and the pointed end up. Fill the planting hole with original soil and gently tamp it down.

4.Protect the bulbs from rodents. Bulbs are a tasty treat for squirrels, chipmunks, and other rodents. To help protect the bulbs, use a mat of chicken wire with 1-inch openings over the bulbs. Place the mat and cover it with a light layer of soil or mulch. The mat will make it much more difficult for the rodents to dig and they might move on. However, the large openings will allow the bulb foliage and blooming stems to emerge in the spring.

5.Water lightly. Once all the bulbs are planted, water the planting site to settle the soil and remove air pockets. Most bulbs will not require any further winter watering unless there is a winter drought.

6.Label the site. To protect your bulbs from foot and vehicle traffic, mark the site. Drawing a garden map noting the names of the bulbs, planting dates, and locations will help you remember your favorites for future plantings.