Fall Bulb Planting Guide
Posted by Jessie Jacobson on Sep 11th 2025
Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs in the Fall
It’s Fall, but it’s time to think spring. Yep! Now is the time to start planning next year’s garden, and that includes planting spring flowering bulbs.
One thing is for certain, it’s thrilling to see those first green shoots push out of the ground in spring - a delightful pop of color after all you see is white. Something that may be a little less clear, however, is exactly what a bulb is and why we plant them in the fall.
What is a bulb?
A bulb is a modified stem, an underground storage unit with all the elements required to grow into a plant including leaves, flowers, stem, and sometimes even flower buds. The whole life cycle of the plant, along with energy and nutrients, is stored within this underground structure during the resting stage. Bulbs are living things. They should be treated with care, planted at the appropriate time, and not be allowed to dry out.
Bulbs are classified as either major or minor, and the difference is pretty much just based on size. Minor bulbs tend to be hardier and more likely to naturalize (become established) and spread.
Major bulbs include tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Tulips and hyacinth will only last a year or two, and will need to be replaced over time. Daffodils are hardy and do multiply and naturalize.
Minor bulbs include gallanthus, crocus, and muscari. These bulbs are smaller in size and produce smaller flowers. They are extremely hardy, will naturalize, and look best planted in mass.
Learn how to plant bulbs
For best results, plant bulbs where they will get full sun in early spring. However, it's okay to plant in what is normally a shady area, such as under deciduous trees. As trees eventually leaf out in the spring, flowers fade. Get your bulbs in the ground by the end of September (or early October) for best results, as bulbs need ample time to put down roots before winter sets in.
Bulbs prefer rich, well-drained soil. Work in Purple Cow Activated Compost to amend your soil for best results. Make sure to pick up either Bulb Tone or Bone Meal to supplement your soil’s nutrition. Both products include phosphorous which is essential for root development in the fall and big, beautiful blooms in the spring.
Bulb blooms look best in naturally scattered clumps or mass plantings. Plant bulbs in groups throughout a perennial bed. Feel free to mix different colors and varieties together. Plant smaller bulbs over larger ones, in the same hole, for a heavier blooming effect. Be creative and have fun!
Use a trowel or bulb planter to dig 2-3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. Alternatively, dig a wide hole to hold several bulbs.
Drop the bulb in your hole. Teardrop-shaped bulbs should be planted tip-side up, whereas flat bulbs should be planted flat side up. Look for roots, if there are any, and plant them facing down. If it’s hard to tell which way is up, plant the bulb sideways and the plant will figure it out on its own and get growing in the right direction.
Cover and protect. Rodents love bulbs. Cover the planting area with chicken wire secured by sod staples to deter these little diggers. As an added deterrent, spray bulbs with a repellent, let dry, and then plant. You can also sprinkle Liquid Fence Granules over a newly planted area.
Water them in and you are set to go! Now its time to sit back, relax and enjoy the show – next spring that is!
Hot tip: Make sure to apply repellents such as Liquid Fence or Repels All as bulbs emerge in the spring, too. Our furry friends love bulb foliage and flowers just as much as we do!