Once winter finally packs its bags and the last of the snow melts away, most plants take their sweet time waking up. It usually feels like forever before we see any real color in the yard. But that’s where spring bloomers come in! These early birds are the rockstars of the gardening world, showing off their full floral glory while the rest of the garden is still hitting the snooze button.
Get Them Underground by Fall
So, what’s their secret? Most of these early risers grow from bulbs. Since those bulbs have been tucked away in the soil since last autumn, they have a huge head start over plants that are just starting to germinate from seed in the spring. To give them the best chance to shine, you’ll want to get your bulbs in the ground around September or October. Technically, you can push it into December, but your chances of a spectacular show definitely drop once the ground gets too cold.
So Many Flowers, So Much Color
When we think of bulb plants, tulips are usually the first thing that pops into our heads, followed closely by crocuses and daffodils. But there are so many other varieties that can help bring your garden back to life with a splash of color:
- Hyacinths
- Snowdrops
- Spring Anemones
Shopping and Planting Tips
Whether you’re planning to plant your spring bloomers in a garden bed or in pots, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind while shopping. Look for bulbs that are firm and dry—avoid anything that feels mushy or looks damaged. Also, try to pick bulbs that haven’t started sprouting yet.
When it’s time for planting in your flower bed, dig holes about 4 inches (10 cm) deep, spacing them about 2 to 3 inches apart. Place the bulbs in the holes upright (pointy side up!) and cover them with about 2 inches of soil. Give the dirt a gentle pat down and then a good drink of water. Be generous with the watering, but make sure the soil drains well—bulbs don’t like “wet feet” or standing water!
