Have you received gardening supplies as a holiday gift and are eager to put them to use? Perhaps you purchased bulbs last fall but never got around to planting them. Or maybe you’re a novice gardener surveying your lifeless yard, wondering how to bring some colorful blooms to life this spring. Karlina Packard, a Washington State University Pierce County Master Gardener residing in the Lake Tapps area, has some valuable advice to share.
In a recent email exchange with The News Tribune, Karlina was asked whether it’s too late for procrastinating gardeners to get started in January and what can be done to ensure flower bulbs have a chance to thrive this winter.
Q: Are there recommended practices for planting at this late stage of the season?
A: Given that our region has yet to experience a ground freeze, the critical factor to consider is the amount of cold weather remaining this winter. While some bulbs require only 4-6 weeks below 40 degrees, others need several months, potentially extending past our final freeze date. If you, like me, left your fall-bought bulbs sitting on the front porch since October, you should be in good shape. However, if you’re purchasing now and eyeing tulips or daffodils, which necessitate 12-15 weeks of cold, inquire about whether they’ve been “pre-chilled.” Pre-chilling involves the grower refrigerating the bulbs, a useful practice if you plan to force them to bloom indoors.
Q: Which bulbs should be avoided at this time of year, and which ones stand a chance?
A: I consider myself a risk-taker and am willing to experiment with growing nearly any bulb. The only ones I would advise steering clear of are those that are mushy, moldy, or hollow; these are unlikely to thrive.
Q: Is it challenging to purchase bulbs so late in the season? Where can one find them at this time of year?
A: Most bulbs available at big-box stores and online have been on the market since October. While there are still ample bulbs to be had, I recommend making in-person purchases where possible. This way, you can assess the bulbs firsthand, ensuring you receive a quality product, as opposed to buying online and potentially receiving bulbs that are already partially grown and looking worse for wear by the time they reach you. Be sure to check out your local nurseries and big-box retailers as they typically start stocking potted and nearly blooming bulbs around late February.
Q: If daffodils are planted now, when can one expect them to bloom?
A: Daffodils require an extended cold period, so if they haven’t been pre-chilled, you may see foliage this year but no flowers. The depth at which you plant them and the amount of sunlight they receive also influence their blooming. Typically, bulbs should be planted at a depth of 3-4 times their size, and daffodils tend to bloom once
