Plant in the fall for an explosion of color in spring
As the days grow shorter and the leaves start to fall, you might think that the gardening season is coming to an end. But nothing could be further from the truth. During the fall from September – November, you can lay the foundation for a colorful spring full of blooms. Whether you have a garden or a balcony, bulb flowers add a splash of color after a long gray winter. So put on those gardening gloves one last time this year and get planting for a vibrant spring.
Why plant flower bulbs?
Bulb flowers such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and grape hyacinths are great spring bloomers but they first need a cold period in order to bloom. Planting them in the fall allows them to quietly take root and prepare for their big moment in spring. Once the first warm rays of the sun start to shine, they burst into color.
Color for every garden or balcony
Do you have a garden with borders? Then create a layered effect by combining flower bulbs with perennials or ornamental grasses. But flower bulbs can also thrive in pots or containers. Here’s a great tip: plant in layers – known as the ‘lasagna method’ – where you plant different types of bulbs in layers on top of each other for an extra-long flowering season. Start with the largest bulbs (such as tulips) at the bottom, then add a layer of medium-sized bulbs (e.g., hyacinths) above that, and finish with small bulbs such as crocuses. Your pot or border will bloom in stages and you can enjoy flowers for weeks.
How to plant flower bulbs.
- Pick the right spot: Most flower bulbs do best in sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- How deep? A handy rule of thumb is to plant flower bulbs about three times deeper than their height.
- Point up: Plant the bulb with the growing point facing up and the root side down.
- Finally: Cover the bulbs with soil, press gently, and give them a bit of water. Nature will do the rest!
Whether you like vibrant colors or soft pastels, flower bulbs will add beauty and cheer to any outdoor space. And the best part? A bit of work now will pay off later.
