Why you should order spring bulbs in late summer
Q. Someone said it was time to start thinking about spring and ordering bulbs. Isn't it too early?
A. Now is the perfect time to be thinking about and perhaps even ordering your bulbs for planting this fall. Hardy bulbs are the harbingers of spring, ushering in the warmer days with reliable color, fragrance and food for wildlife. With some forethought, your small investment of time and money in the fall will yield a bounty of beauty in your garden next spring.
Many catalogs offer discounts if you order early and these are often the best source for a broad selection of traditional as well as more unusual bulbs. Soon, local garden centers and big box retailers will be filling their shelves with spring flowering bulbs. A number of local garden clubs and public gardens will have fall bulb sales in September and October.
With such a bounty of choices, your most difficult task may be limiting your selections. First consider your site for planting. The soil should be fertile and well drained. While soil can be amended, low wet areas should be avoided as bulbs will be short lived. Look for a sunny spot with six or more hours of sun which may include an area beneath high branched trees that will not have leafed out yet. Bulbs in the most suitable spots will return for several seasons.
Bulbs have various bloom times from as early as late February to late May into June. By mixing them together, you can achieve a longer lasting display. Start with snowdrops, winter aconite or crocus, followed by squill, daffodils or grape hyacinths, then some tulips and perhaps a crown imperial and transitioning into summer with our native Camassia camass or giant alliums. For a whimsical effect, plant Siberian squill, snowdrops or crocus in the lawn; their bloom will be over well before the mowing commences.
Bear in mind that after the bloom, you will want to let the foliage yellow in place to feed the bulb for next year. Some find this unsightly so consider planting your bulbs at the base of later emerging perennials such as the classic daffodils and day lilies combination. Ornamental grasses, sedums, hostas and many other perennials do a great job of hiding yellowing bulb foliage as well. Smaller bulbs look better in groups and if possible elevated in berms or rock gardens so they can be seen. Taller bulbs can be placed further back and look better in drifts than planted alone or in rows like little soldiers along the foundation.
When selecting quality bulbs, look for bulbs that are plump, firm and solid. Avoid soft spots, mushy or moldy bulbs, and bulbs that are lightweight or shriveled. The larger the bulb relative to bulbs of the same variety, the better the flower display. Size matters.
Plant your bulbs after the soil temperatures have begun to cool. Some bulbs will emerge in the fall if they are planted too soon. October is a great time to plant in our area and ideal for root development but procrastinators can keep planting into the late fall, even December as long as the ground remains unfrozen. Just be sure to plant them deep enough, 2 to 3 times deeper than the bulb is tall, with the pointy side up. Amend the soil with rich organic matter such as shredded leaves and add a bit of bulb fertilizer (5:10:5) or bone meal to ensure development of the bulbs for future seasons. Water after planting and later as needed if no rainfall. Mulch the area to deter weeds, conserve moisture, moderate soil temperatures. If squirrels and chipmunks dig into your bed, lay down some poultry wire under the mulch to discourage the critters.
- Stephanie Stauder Kenny
• Provided by Master Gardeners through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines, and University of Illinois Extension, North Cook Branch Office, Arlington Heights. Call (847) 298-3502 Monday, Wednesday and Saturday or (847) 201-4176, ext. 14, on Fridays.