Most people adore the crocus, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths that pop up in the spring, providing a cheerful greeting after a long, cold winter. To enjoy these lovely perennials, gardeners must plant them in their landscaping beds in the fall. The following guide offers planting tips and best practices to ensure your fall-planted bulbs put on a lovely display in the spring.  

How to Plant Autumn Bulbs

1. Plant Before the First Freeze 

Bulbs like tulips rely on a cold period of dormancy during the winter months. Without it, they struggle to produce the beautiful blooms so many admire. Autumn's cooler temperatures are ideal for placing your bulbs in the ground. However, waiting too long may mean the ground will be frozen, making it difficult to dig holes for planting. You can err on the side of caution by adding bulbs to your landscaping in September or October. 

2. Mind Soil Moisture & Depth 

If the earth gets too moist, this creates a favorable environment for pathogenic fungi to grow on bulbs, causing them to decay and die. You can avoid this by planting them in well-draining soil. Additionally, ensure you plant them root-side down in holes dug approximately two to three times deeper than the bulb's height. For instance, a daffodil bulb of about two inches tall should go into the ground about six inches deep. This ensures that the roots have ample room to spread while preventing bulbs from becoming disturbed or exposed to damaging elements.

3. Plant in Clusters

Planting bulbs in clusters can keep them from looking isolated or awkwardly placed in your landscape design. You might create groups of a dozen daffodils and tulips, planting them about two to three inches apart to make beautiful bouquet-like arrangements in your garden. Alternatively, you may plant crocus or alliums in groups of three for small yet charming pops of color in your landscaping. 

4. Select a Sunny Area

Most bulbs thrive when planted in part or full sun, so select an area of your landscaping for planting that receives plenty of natural light throughout the day. The bulbs must absorb the sunlight necessary for completing photosynthesis to give them the energy they need to grow strong and healthy stems, leaves, and blossoms by the time spring arrives. 

When you're ready to plant bulbs for a colorful spring display, head to Lakeview Garden Center & Landscaping in Fairfield, OH. They provide a vast selection of plants and flowers along with landscape design services for clients throughout the Cincinnati area. Visit the website to learn more about how they can help you design your dream landscape, or call (513) 829-6624 to speak with a friendly team member.