7 Bulbs to Plant in Spring: Tips for Planting Spring Bulbs

Bulbs are any type of flowering plant that grows from the budding point on top of a short, circular stem. Although true bulbs have a specific shape, there are other types of flowering plants also considered bulbs that come from other structural forms like corms, tubers, and rhizomes. When fully bloomed, bulbs have a variety of visual characteristics that work perfectly for cut-flower bouquets. Common companion plants for bulbs include pansies, marigolds, phlox, sunflowers, and other annual flowers.

Fall bulbs, also known as spring-flowering bulbs, are types of plants that thrive in cooler conditions and bloom in the early spring. Examples of this type of bulb include daffodils, crocus, freesias, hyacinths, tulip bulbs, alliums, and snowdrops. Spring bulbs, also known as summer-flowering bulbs, are flowering plants that thrive in warmer climates and bloom at the end of the summer or fall growing season.

There are a wide variety of bulbs that thrive after being planted in the springtime. Consider some of the most common spring bulbs.

1. 1. Dahlias: The dahlia is a type of perennial flowering plant native to Mexico and Central America. Growing out of tuberous roots, dahlias typically bloom in the fall.
2. 2. Gladiolus: Gladiolus flowers, also known as sword lilies, grow from short corms and bloom into tall flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, yellow, red, and white flowers.
3. 3. Caladiums: Also known as elephant ears, this genus of flowering plants thrive in part shade and grow vibrant leaves from tubers.
4. 4. Crocosmia: Commonly known as coppertips, crocosmia flowers grow from bulbous corms and bloom red and orange flowers during the summer.
5. 5. Lilies: These flowering bulbs produce bright flowers that bloom in early summer through early fall. Lilies grow in a variety of colors and bloom in the form of white flowers, pink flowers, and blue flowers, among other colors.
6. 6. Calla lilies: Calla lilies, despite their name, are not true lilies. Calla lily flowers can be white or a variety of rich, bright colors. The chalice-shaped flowers surround a yellow stalk. They are relatively easy to grow in spring gardens.
7. 7. Tuberous begonias: Known for their big, showy flowers, tuberous begonias require shaded environments and temperate climates.

Depending on the species, spring bulbs can produce their first flowers anytime between late spring, early summer, late summer, and early fall. Bloom times also vary depending on growing conditions, including the humidity, heat, and USDA hardiness zone. Unlike spring flowers that sprout during cold conditions before the last frost of the season, summer-flowering bulbs bloom before the ground freezes.

Consider some of the following tips when planting and growing flowers from spring bulbs.

1. 1. Choose a good location for your spring bulbs. Summer-flowering bulbs thrive in full sun or partial shade and do best in soil with good drainage. If your spring bulbs are struggling, consider adding peat moss, compost, or other types of organic matter to increase the airflow and nutrients in the soil.
2. 2. Protect your spring bulbs from animals. Although you want to attract pollinators and hummingbirds, other animals like squirrels and deer can destroy your garden. Pick up chicken wire at your local garden center to protect your garden bed. Another protective option is to elevate your spring bulbs in hanging baskets or window boxes.
3. 3. Water your spring bulbs after planting. After planting your spring bulbs with the pointed end facing up, cover them with soil and water them thoroughly once. This water should activate the bulbs. If you live in a particularly dry climate, consider adding a layer of mulch around the plants to keep the moisture in.
4. 4. Cluster your spring bulbs. Plant bulbs near each other to create visually stimulating flower beds or ground cover. Pair early bloomers with late bloomers like canna lilies to create visual interest throughout the growing season. Prune summer-flowering plants in the fall once they are completely finished blooming.

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