Last Chance to Order Spring Bulbs

Scene from the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands. 

There is still time to order, receive and plant bulbs for next spring.  I doubt that how your garden looks next April or May is on your mind as the leaves begin to change color and start dropping.  However, if you take a few moments now there will be a reward next year.  

Here is a list of bulbs that will provide you with many seasons of interest: 

• Early Spring (April to June):  Anemone, Crocus, Daffodils, Tulips, Fritillaria, Muscari, Trillium, Scilla
• Summer (June-August):  Alliums
• Fall (September - October):  Colchicum, Autumn Crocus
• Winter (November-March):  Amaryllis and bulbs that can be forced

Planting  Plant bulbs (except the winter interest ones) when temperatures are consistently cool around 55 degrees and the soil temperature is 50 degrees or cooler.  They can be planted until the ground freezes.  I cover the site with a sprinkling of blood meal to discourage squirrels from digging up newly planted bulbs.  

Forcing  If you are interested in forcing bulbs, order those now as well.  Most bulbs need 12-14 of cooling (in a space that does not freeze, a refrigerator or unheated garage) in order to force.  See this blog for more information on forcing.  

Here are some bulbs that are especially suited to forcing: 

1. Hyacinths, Tulips, Daffodils, Irises, Muscari
2. All Amaryllis (need no cooling period)
3. Paperwhites (need no cooling period) with strong stems & milder fragrance:  ‘Israel’, ‘Nazareth’, ‘Jerusalem’ or ‘Bethlehem.