When you might typically associate flowering bulbs with spring, the preparation for their blooming actually begins in the fall and winter. Depending on your region, many bulbs can still be planted in the garden during the winter months. If it’s too late to plant them outside, you can opt to grow bulbs indoors and then transfer them to your garden once they bloom. Our experts emphasize the importance of considering the following tips when planting flowering bulbs this winter.
Meet Our Experts:
– Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist with FlowerBulbs.com
– Jake Davies-Robertson, arboretum supervisor at Kew Gardens
Plant Bulbs Before the Ground Freezes:
You can still plant bulbs outdoors during winter as long as the ground hasn’t frozen. Peggy Anne Montgomery suggests getting them in several weeks before the ground freezes so they can establish roots. However, it’s generally recommended to plant spring flowering bulbs in the autumn to allow them time to settle and develop roots before winter arrives, according to Jake Davies-Robertson.
Force Bulbs Indoors During Winter:
If the ground has frozen and you missed the outdoor planting window, consider growing bulbs indoors instead. Many cold-hardy spring bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths can be planted in pots to bloom indoors later in winter. Bulbs require a period of cold before blooming, and you can either buy pre-chilled bulbs or chill them yourself.
Know Which Bulbs to Grow Indoors:
While many bulbs can be forced indoors, smaller varieties are often more successful as they are less likely to become top-heavy and tip over. Montgomery recommends miniature daffodils and shorter tulip varieties, as well as hyacinths, crocus, muscari, scilla, dwarf iris, anemones, and other small types.
Plant Bulbs Close Together:
When growing bulbs indoors, plant them closely together in a clean pot with drainage holes. Montgomery advises planting about six tulip bulbs, three hyacinths, or six daffodils in a 6-inch pot. Ensure the bulbs are placed with the pointed side up, cover them with soil, water well, and give them a cold period to encourage root development.
Give Bulbs a Cold Period:
Spring flowering bulbs need a cold period to root properly. You can achieve this by placing the potted bulbs outside, insulating them with leaves or mulch, and protecting them from pests. Alternatively, you can chill the bulbs indoors in a cold garage, basement, or refrigerator, making sure to keep them away from fruits emitting ethylene.
Check on Bulbs During the Cold Period:
Monitor soil moisture every few weeks while bulbs are undergoing their cold period.
As your bulbs are chilling, it’s important to monitor their progress. Horticulturist Montgomery suggests, “Toward the end of the cold period, check to see if the bulbs have put down roots. That is a better indicator that they will bloom than the sprouts.”
Once the bulbs have undergone the necessary chilling period, it’s time to bring them indoors. Montgomery advises, “Bring them into the house and place them in a cool, sunny spot.” Typically, these bulbs will start flowering approximately two to four weeks after being removed from the cold environment. However, Montgomery notes, “They will bloom for a shorter period indoors than they would outside.” Once the indoor blooming phase is over, consider planting the smaller bulbs outside for future growth.
For more gardening tips and advice, you can refer to the original article on Martha Stewart’s website.
