Summer blooming bulbs can be planted outside after the danger of frost is gone, or they can be started inside. 

These bulbs require very little maintenance and will give you a beautiful bulb garden all summer long. 

When to plant spring bulbs

Summer blooming bulbs should be planted in spring, but not until after the danger of frost has gone. In Minnesota an easy way to get around this is to start your bulbs indoors. Waiting for spring to come can be a tricky and sometimes drawn out process. If winter is running long don’t worry, because you can start your spring bulbs as soon as they’re at the garden center. 

How to plant bulbs inside

Planting bulbs inside is slightly more difficult than planting them outside.

• Choose containers that can accomadate the depth you need
• Use soil with compost blended in
• The soil temperature needs to stay between 65-75˚F
• Put your container in a sunny window on a heating mat or under a grow light
• Water when the soil starts to dry out
• Rotate your container so all bulbs get enough light. This will help them grow evenly.
• After the danger of frost has passed you can move your containers outside or even transfer the bulbs into your garden beds.

How to plant bulbs outside

Planting bulbs is fairly straight forward, but here are a few tips to make sure your bulbs thrive.

• Pick a spot in the garden that gets full sun
• Bulbs do best in well draining soil
• Soil should be mixed with compost prior to planting to help your bulbs grow
• Make sure to plant your bulbs with the pointy side up
• Plant each bulb at the proper depth (check package for each variety)

5 great bulbs to plant in the spring

1. Elephant Ears

Elephant ears are giant, leafy, tropical plants. They are easy to grow and make an excellent landscaping plant. They are also a bold choice for containers.

2. Gladiolus

A beautiful flower that is popular for midsummer bouquets. They are available in many different colors and grow from 2’-5’ high depending on the variety.

3. Dahlia

Vivid blooms come in all kinds of different solid and bi-colors. They are a gorgeous flower to have in annual beds.

4. Canna Lily

Canna lilies have large, bright flower heads that last from summer to fall. They thrive in full sun and heat.

5. Calla Lily

An elegant flower that comes in many different colors. Their smooth sword-like foliage stays neat all summer long.