All About Spring Flowering Bulbs

Spring flowering bulbs need a cold period during the winter to jump-start their growth cycle so that they will flower in the spring. They can be planted in the fall until the first frost. In general, spring flowering bulbs will grow best in climate zones 4-8. Spring flowering bulbs normally start blooming in February and end in June.

 

Popular Types of Spring Flowering Bulbs to Plant in Fall

Snowdrops

When the winter season begins to wind down and warmer weather is on the horizon, these gorgeous, white early bloomers start to emerge. One of the first flowers to appear in the garden, Snowdrops can sometimes be seen pushing up through the snow-covered landscape toward the end of January.

Crocus

One of the earliest blooming spring flowers, crocus are hardy in zones 3-9. When planted by the hundreds or thousands, crocus bulbs naturalize beautifully in grassy areas, woodlands, slopes or under trees.

Daffodils

Daffodils are the classic spring flower—and they don't just come in the standard yellow color. There are many different colors and types of daffodils to choose from: double blooms, large trumpet blooms, small jonquilla or tazetta blooms. They are deer resistant and will naturalize over time.

Tulips

Another classic spring flower is the tulip. Blooming in mid to late spring, tulips come in many different colors and types: double blooms, fluffy parrot blooms, and the classic egg-shaped blooms.

Hyacinths

Add fragrance to your mid-spring garden with fragrant hyacinths. Blooming in zones 4-9, they're ideal for beds and borders or as informal accents among perennials or ground covers. They can even be forced for indoor enjoyment.

Grape Hyacinths

Also known as muscari, grape hyacinths grows 6-8 inches tall and produces bell-shaped flowers in grape-like clusters. They look best when planted in groups of at least 10 bulbs. Grape hyacinths naturalize readily and will thrive for years to come.

Alliums

Alliums bloom in late spring to early summer in zones 4-9, depending on the variety. Growing up to 6 feet tall, they will add vertical interest to any garden. Alliums are deer resistant.

For more information about fall planted bulbs, read our blog on bulbs to plant in fall.

How to Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs

Fall flower bulbs are planted in the fall, usually before regular frosts set in. This gives the bulbs plenty of time to establish their roots. However, flower bulbs can be planted in late fall if the ground isn't frozen or snow covered. All fall bulbs need well-drained soil, and most need full sunlight or partial shade. Bulbs look most impressive when planted in clusters or groups. Bulbs should be planted at a depth that is about three times the height of the bulb with the pointy end up. At the time of planting, we recommend fertilizing with an all-natural plant food like Breck's® Food for Bulbs and Perennials. If the ground is dry, water the bulbs.