Written By Lara Wadsworth

If you love colorful and vibrant flowers as early as possible in the springtime, planting fall bulbs is your answer. It’s like magic! You bury little brown things in the autumn, and then you basically forget about them. Then, they bloom and you are wowed by the color and resilience! Planting bulbs in the fall is usually a good idea because it sets your plants up with stronger root systems and therefore more vibrant blooms throughout the spring and summer. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know to confidently plant your fall bulbs, including timing, varieties, preparation, depth, fertilization, pest control, care, layering, common mistakes, and more!

Why Is Fall the Best Time to Plant Bulbs?

While most people think of spring as the best time to plant anything, autumn actually has some significant benefits, especially when it comes to bulbs. The soil temperature is ideal for root establishment BEFORE winter so that the blooms can be ready to go by springtime. Fall planting aligns perfectly with the dormancy cycles of hardy bulbs, as it gives them ample time to establish roots and prepare for blooming. The Penn State Extension recommends that “Spring-blooming bulbs are planted in the fall, before the first frost, for an early to late spring or early summer bloom.”

Which Bulbs Should Be Planted in the Fall?

In short, any hardy spring or summer bloomers can be planted in the fall for enhanced blooming their first year. Keep in mind that this does not mean strictly bulbs, but rather many spring- and summer-blooming tubers. Spring- and summer-blooming corms and rhizomes, as well as true bulbs, can all benefit from this timing. Daffodils, tulips, crocuses, peonies, grape hyacinths, paperwhites, gladiolus, irises, lilies, anemone, and ginger can all be planted in the fall. Let’s not forget that alliums, such as ornamental allium, but also garlic and onion, also benefit significantly from fall planting. So, even if you’re not big into flowers but you like the delicious oniony, umami flavor of bulbing onions, you’ll want to pay attention to this timing too!

How Do You Choose Quality Bulbs for Fall Planting?

Purchasing from a reputable seller is a big way to ensure quality. At True Leaf Market, they ensure fast and timely shipping, along with high-quality bulbs, every time. However, just to be sure, you can also inspect your bulbs upon arrival. Look for somewhat similar sizes across all of them. They should be firm and relatively evenly colored. Throw out any that have dark, soft spots or appear to be moldy, shivelled, or diseased in any way. Even with rigorous quality checks, sometimes things happen during storage and shipment that are unforeseeable.

A big reason why you can pre-order bulbs (corms and rhizomes, too!) from True Leaf Market is to ensure they are stored properly before you receive them, and then they can be planted as soon as possible after you receive them. Try not to store them for too long after you receive them, or you may miss the planting window and cause the quality of the bulbs to deteriorate. For more information on this, see The University of Nebraska’s booklet on bulbs and keep reading under the subheading “Bulb Selection and Planting” (page 2).

How Do Hardiness Zones Affect Fall Bulb Planting?

Anytime you plant anything, you want to be aware of your hardiness zone. You can find out your exact zones on the USDA’s website. It’s a good idea to check your zone every few years, as the map is updated periodically as new data is collected over time. In general, colder, northern zones are going to be planting hardy bulbs in the fall. Anyone can plant tender bulbs (usually in spring) for their flowering season, but if you have cold winters, you will need to dig them up and overwinter them each year. I recommend Michigan State University Extension’s article on digging and storing tender bulbs if you need more information on this.

The zone and growing information should be clearly labeled on the product page or in the materials included with your purchase. If you are unsure, Gardenia.net offers a comprehensive list of typical bulbs, providing all the information you could possibly want to know about them, including planting zones and recommended times.

What Soil Preparation Do Bulbs Need in Fall?

The number one way anyone can sabotage their spring blooming display is by having wet, soggy soil. Therefore, it is critical to amend the soil (if necessary) with compost and maybe even sand to ensure good drainage. Bulbs aren’t usually too fussy, which is why people love to grow them. However, one thing they are definitely opinionated about is that they hate sitting in water! Keep this in mind when choosing where to plant them initially. Get a soil test done ahead of time if you’re unsure what kind of soil you have and what it needs to be amended with. You want to be especially cautious if you have heavy or clay soils. The ideal soil pH is between 6 and 7 for bulbs.

It is critical to plant on a fairly dry day as well. Planting in soggy, wet soil can create compaction and suffocation early on. Before planting, mix organic matter or compost into the top few inches of soil. Be sure to follow any recommendations you received when you got your soil test done. You can also add substances to the soil to adjust the pH. The rule of thumb is you want to amend at least 3 inches deeper than you plan to plant your bulbs. Keep reading for more information on planting depth!

How Deep Should You Plant Bulbs?

The general rule of thumb is that you should always plant your bulbs two to three times the bulb’s largest diameter. The Purdue University Extension Service has put out a very helpful visual chart with many hardy and tender bulbs, as well as the recommended planting depth. Check out page 4, figure 1 of their Flowering Bulb handout to see that! On the next few pages, they have all the information written out, including the recommended planting depth and distance apart, as well as other helpful details. For details on layering bulbs, keep reading!

There are some adjustments you need to make for certain soil types. If you know you have light, sandy soil, you should plant your bulbs 1-2 inches deeper than the above rule would indicate. Conversely, if you know you have heavy or clay soils, first amend as much as possible away from this soil type; then, plant your bulbs 1-2 inches deeper than you would otherwise plant. These adjustments ensure the bulbs get the right amount of water without rotting.

Should You Fertilize Fall-Planted Bulbs?

In short, yes! But there are some things to keep in mind. Slow-release fertilizer or compost is always best. Mix the fertilizer or appropriate amendment in at the time of planting, using the same rule as discussed in the soil preparation section. Bulb-specific fertilizers are also great options, and you should always follow all the manufacturer’s instructions. For year-to-year maintenance, a spring application of fertilizer is needed each year. Avoid fertilizers and amendments high in nitrogen. Using concentrated nitrogen will result in lots of foliage (leaves) and not as many or as large blooms. A 10-10-10 solution or similar is sufficient for most bulbs. The University of Illinois Extension offers some valuable guidance on bulbs and fertilizers, which you can explore further if you're interested.

How Can You Protect Bulbs from Rodents and Pests?

Another common concern we get is something along the lines of, “Every year I plant bulbs and they never come up! They get dug up by pests, and I never get my spring blooms. What can I do?” Unfortunately, there is no single thing you can do to prevent all pests from causing you problems. However, there are many things you can equip your bulbs with to increase the chances that deer and rodents will leave them alone. The University of Michigan Extension website has a very informative document on critter-proof spring-flowering bulbs. Take a look at that for more in-depth information.

In short, you can choose varieties that are deer- and critter-resistant, add physical barriers such as chicken wire and bulb cages, and incorporate natural deterrents like sharp gravel and hot pepper flakes. Doing just one of these things is not likely to save all your bulbs. However, doing all of these things is sure to make a difference. It can be frustrating when wildlife prevents your garden from looking as you want it to. Still, it’s essential to remember that we need to find a way to coexist with these animals instead of completely eliminating them.

How Do You Layer Bulbs For Continuous Spring Blooms?

What you want to learn about here is also called the lasagna-style bulb planting method. This method is essentially when you layer deep-planted, mid-planted, and shallow-planted bulbs that all bloom at different times. This way, you can have blooms from early spring straight through early summer all in the same spot! It is a great way to maximize the impact of your bulbs in a small space. I love this how-to guide from the MSU Extension Service for more detailed instructions.

An easy example of how to do this is to layer Daffodils (deepest planted) with Tulips (mid-planted) and Grape Hyacinth (most shallow) bulbs in the same spot. You want to stagger them so they don’t block each other too much. They will all bloom at different times and create a continuous spring flower display! Don’t forget to follow all the same soil, fertilizer, and spacing instructions we have already discussed! I also recommend topping it all off with some mulch, such as shredded bark or woodchips, to keep the bulbs from freezing too much if you live in a cold climate. Then, sit back and wait for spring!

How Should You Care For Bulbs After Planting Through The Winter?

In many northern climates, even hardy bulbs can benefit from additional protection during the winter. Adding a 2-3-inch layer of mulch on top of where you planted your bulbs can provide an extra layer of protection against unexpected or intense freeze-thaw cycles. Mulch also helps retain moisture and keeps the soil's temperature a little steadier, ensuring a slow, gradual thaw in the springtime. Do not water the bulbs through the winter. Water the bulbs at planting time to allow the soil to settle in, and then do not water again until the plant starts to emerge in the spring. Be sure to water deeply enough to penetrate the soil down to where the bulbs were planted, but do not allow water to pool around the bulbs.

What Common Mistakes Should Gardeners Avoid with Fall Bulbs?

If you have read this whole article and any of the sources linked, you will be in good shape to enjoy your spring blooms. However, consider the next list as a means to verify your work and ensure your bulbs are set up for success. If any of these items stop you, re-read this article! We have all of these items addressed here. When all else fails and your bulbs didn’t bloom, but you think you did everything right, I recommend contacting your local extension office and talking with someone who understands your specific climate and zone best.

The most common mistakes that cause bulbs (or corms or rhizomes) to fail:

• planting at the incorrect depth
• failing to prep the soil properly
• overwatering the bulb planting area at any point throughout the year
• Leaving bulbs exposed to air or sun before planting
• not checking your bulbs before planting for premature rot or pests
• not fertilizing or adding compost at all
• not accounting for your specific growing zone’s climate
• leaving bulbs exposed to rodents or deer in prone areas
• not adjusting the planting depth for certain soil types

Properly planting fall bulbs can result in a huge payoff each spring. Flowers are all the more exciting in the early spring after experiencing the long, dark winter. Do a little planning and planting now and reap the benefits later! It’s not too late to order fall bulbs now! You can get them delivered just in time to plant. Be sure to check out our onion growing guide if it’s alliums you’re after! A lot of this information still applies, but there are some important tips you won’t want to miss over there. So, the next time your friend asks you when to plant tulips, you know what to say… “Fall!”

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I currently reside. I love all things plants! After completing a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, I found a dream work-from-home job that allows me to share my passion. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!