Summer blooming bulbs can be planted outside after the danger of frost is gone, or they can be started indoors.
These bulbs require very little maintenance and will give you a beautiful bulb garden all summer long.
Gladiolus - a midsummer bouquet
When to plant spring bulbs
- Summer blooming bulbs should be planted in spring, but not until after the danger of frost has gone. However, 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 start bulbs indoors
Starting bulbs indoors is slightly more difficult than planting them outside.
- Choose containers that can accommodate the depth you need.
- Blend compost into the soil.
- Soil temperature needs to stay between 65-75ËšF.
- 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 directly into your garden beds.
How to plant bulbs outside
Planting bulbs is fairly straightforward but here are a few tips to make sure your bulbs thrive.
- Pick a spot 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).
Dahlia ‘Alabama Yellow’
5 great bulbs to plant in the spring
- Elephant ears aka Alocasia are giant, leafy, tropical plants. They are easy to grow and make an excellent landscaping plant. They are also a bold choice for containers.
- Gladiolus make beautiful midsummer bouquets. They’re available in many different colors and grow from 2’-5’ tall depending on the variety.
- Dahlia are stunning in the garden and come in all kinds of different solid and bi-colors. Gorgeous in annual beds.
- Canna lilies have large, bright flower heads that last from summer to fall. They thrive in full sun and heat.
- Calla Lily is an elegant flower that comes in many different colors. Their smooth sword-like foliage stays neat all summer long.
Note: These bulbs can be dug up after their foliage has been nipped by frost or has browned. Cut back the foliage to a few inches, brush the dirt off and leave them to dry in the sun for a couple of days then store in a cool, dry place. Pack them with a dry packing material like peat moss, sawdust, or a vermiculite/perlite combination for storage to prevent moisture issues. Learn more HERE. DAHLIAS are the exception. Don’t let them dry out completely, you can mist them lightly each month or so.
Digging up gladiolus bulbs after an unexpected snowstorm!
The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!