Planting Forgotten Flower Bulbs in Spring

You usually plant spring-flowering bulbs in the fall. But it's easy to miss the right time, isn't it? If you have forgotten flower bulbs, you can absolutely plant them later.

Many flower bulbs need a cold stratification period to sprout. However, they shouldn't be surprised by hard frost. That's why they're typically planted in the milder autumn months, with the best time being between September and November. If you've missed that window, you can still plant the bulbs later.

Depending on the weather conditions, it's possible to plant flower bulbs even in late autumn, as long as the ground isn't frozen. Ideally, temperatures shouldn't be too wintry. However, once the first hard frost sets in and winter arrives with full force, you should refrain from planting bulbs. Even if it's a mild winter, planting flower bulbs in December or January isn't likely to be successful.

Instead, wait until the coming spring. As soon as the ground is no longer frozen, you can plant the bulbs in February for a quick turnaround.

If your flower bulbs weren't planted in the fall, you'll need to store them for a while longer. Before you attempt to plant those spring bloomers in spring, inspect the bulbs and corms carefully. If mold or rot has developed in the meantime, they can't be used. Sort out all unhealthy bulbs.

Handle the remaining bulbs with great care. By February, flower bulbs are usually close to their natural sprouting time. This means the bulb base will be swollen, and sometimes you might even see the shoot tip emerging. Both of these must not be damaged during planting.

Often, flower bulbs aren't particular and will grow even if you just push them into the ground. However, with delicate spring bulbs, you need to be more careful. Dig a suitable planting hole that's about two to three times as deep as the bulb's circumference. A bulb planter makes this task easy.

You can also prepare the soil to give the bulbs a growth boost. If winter rains have compacted the earth, mix in some sand to loosen it. Using seedling soil will stimulate further root growth.

Beware of late frost! If you can't avoid it, protect your bulbs with a layer of mulch.