Fall Bulb F.A.Q.

Why don’t flower bulbs in the ground freeze in the winter? Bulbs are designed by nature to withstand cold winter temperatures. They actually rely on winter’s cold to trigger the biochemical process necessary to bring the bulb to flower in spring. While winter soil may actually freeze to depths beyond which the bulbs are planted, soil temperature rarely falls below -1°C. At these just-below-freezing temperatures, water in the cells of the bulb may freeze but the cells will not be harmed. Other factors that help keep soil temperatures within tolerable limits include an insulating snow cover or a nice layer of mulch over the bulb bed once the ground temperatures have dropped. How deep should you plant flower bulbs? Big bulbs including daffodils, tulips and hyacinths get planted eight inches (20 cm) deep, small bulbs such as grape hyacinths, crocus and others are planted five inches (13 cm) deep. Plant in well-drained soil, cover up, water well and wait for spring. It’s as simple as that.

Which spring-bloomers are deer and squirrel resistant? Colorful, delectable-looking tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, alliums, grape hyacinths and other spring-flowering bulbs are prized in spring by people everywhere. While animals don’t much care what flowers look like, some find bulbs and bulb flowers delectable-tasting. In particular, troublesome deer, squirrels, voles and groundhogs will thank you for planting tulips or crocuses. Many other bulbs, such as daffodil and alliums, hold no appeal to furry foragers and are generally shunned because of their bitter taste. If animal pests are a problem in your area, a first line of defense is to plant pest-resistant plant material in exposed garden beds or wide open spaces and put more vulnerable bulbs such as tulips and crocuses in protected areas, say by the front door or in fenced areas. Potting up and protecting these tastier bulbs is another option. Second line defenses include pest-proofing or -repellants such as netting, screening, dogs, sprays and other techniques. Is it better to plant bulbs earlier or later in the fall? As a general rule, earlier is better – as long as the soil temperature has cooled sufficiently. One way to gauge “the right time” is to wait until autumn night-time temperatures drop below 50° F (10° C) for two consecutive weeks. Once planted, bulbs need to establish strong root systems before the frosts of winter set in and the bulbs enter a new cycle in preparation for spring blooming.

Do tulips prefer a sunny or a shady spot in the yard? Tulips thrive in sun or partial sun. But when planting your tulips this fall, don't be fooled by autumn’s patterns of sun and shade! Remember that come spring, when tulips come up, all the deciduous, non-evergreen trees in your yard will be beautifully leafless. There's a lot of sun in a spring garden.