Do you know what time it is? It’s time to plan for spring! Many people don’t realize that to get beautiful spring blooms you need to plant bulbs in the fall.There are so many great bulbs to choose from tulips, narcissus, crocus, and more. If you haven’t done so yet, get that order in or get to your favorite garden center to purchase your favorite spring bulbs.
Spring blooming bulbs are planted in Wisconsin between September and November. The best planting time is after a frost, but before the ground freezes. Depending on the type of bulb or corm, a cold period below 45 degrees for 10-17 weeks is needed for proper blooming. Crocus need a shorter chilling period while tulips are on the longer end.
Crocus
Crocus corms are deer and rodent resistant. They come in a variety of colors including white, yellow, purple, orange, multicolored, and more. Due to their short height, they can be used to naturalize in lawns. Their early bloom is a welcome sight after a long winter.
Daffodils, Narcissus
Are you confused by daffodils and narcissus? Narcissus is a botanical name while daffodil is usually used as the common name for Narcissus. They don’t only come in yellow and white these days. They come in yellow, white, pink, orange, pink, and red. The bloom types also come in trumpet, large cupped, small cupped, double and more. They multiply over time and most are fragrant. Heights range from a few inches to 30+ inches depending on the variety.
Tulips
Wild tulip types multiply and spread over time. Many other types of tulips do not spread or multiply reliably however. Tulip bulbs and sprouts are loved by deer and other critters as a food source. They are often dug up and eaten or relocated by squirrels. However, the few cons of tulips are surpassed by their beautiful colors and varieties. They are available in just about any color except true blue.
Allium
Allium bulbs are in the onion family so they are seldom bothered by deer, squirrels, or rodents. They also range in size from 8 inches to 50+ inches. They fill the bloom gap between other spring blooming bulbs and early summer perennials. They come in shades of purple, pink, white, yellow, and red.
Hyacinth
Hyacinth bloom at about the same time as daffodils. For some people, the bulbs cause a skin irritation so wearing gloves when planting is recommended. To get a reliable bloom year after year, hyacinth often need to be replanted. The extra effort is worth it for the fragrance alone. Hyacinth have an intense, sweet fragrance.
These are just a few of my favorite spring blooming bulbs. Try Erythronium, Muscari, Fritillaria, Galanthus, Cyclamen, or Eranthis hyemalis for even more variety and an extended spring bloom.