Bulb planting is a fantastic way to introduce vibrant, seasonal color to your landscape. At LandWorks, we specialize in creating stunning bulb displays that enhance the beauty of your garden throughout the year. With our expertise and attention to detail, we ensure that your bulbs are planted at the optimal time and in the best conditions for thriving blooms.
Planting bulbs in Wisconsin can extend the flowering season in your garden with beautiful early blooms. With our short growing season, timing is important for successfully growing spring bulbs. This guide will cover the optimal planting times for bulbs in Wisconsin and provide tips on how to prepare your garden for a gorgeous spring bulb display.
Overview of Spring Bulb Planting in Wisconsin
The key to amazing spring flowers from bulbs is fall planting This gives the bulbs time to establish roots before winter dormancy When winter passes, bulbs are ready to send up green shoots and flower.
For most spring flowering bulbs in Wisconsin, the ideal planting window is October, or as soon as the ground cools to around 50-55°F. Planting can continue until the ground freezes, usually by late November Early October planting is recommended for tulips and late October for daffodils
Best Times to Plant Different Spring Bulb Types
Specific planting times vary slightly by bulb type:
- Daffodils: Mid October to late November
- Tulips: Early to mid October
- Crocuses: October
- Hyacinths: Late September to late October
- Alliums: September to November
- Snowdrops: September to early November
Planting in zones based on bloom time is also an effective strategy. Plant early bloomers like snowdrops, crocuses and winter aconite in September. Plant mid season blooms like daffodils, hyacinths and alliums in October. Wait until November to plant late spring bloomers like tulips and lilies.
How Cold Weather Affects Bulb Planting
Bulbs can be planted as long as ground temperatures are above freezing and the ground is workable A good guideline is planting bulbs when daytime highs are consistently 50-60°F
If a hard frost occurs before you’ve planted bulbs, wait until the soil thaws. Bulbs won’t sprout until spring, so they can withstand light freezes. Just avoid planting in frozen soil which can damage bulbs.
After planting, bulbs will establish roots during cool fall temperatures. Top growth won’t occur until spring soil temperatures warm above 60°F.
Preparing Beds for Bulb Planting
Proper planting depth and drainage are key for bulb success. When preparing beds:
-
Loosen soil at least 8-12 inches deep to allow good drainage. Bulbs will rot in heavy, wet soil.
-
Mix in compost or bulb fertilizer to improve nutrition. Espoma Bulb-Tone provides slow release nutrients.
-
Remove weeds which compete for water and nutrients.
-
For clay soils, mix in expanded shale or small gravel to improve drainage.
-
For rodent damage, lay chicken wire over planted areas and weigh down the edges.
How Deep to Plant Bulbs in Wisconsin
Plant bulbs at a depth 2-3 times their height:
-
Large daffodils 6-8 inches deep
-
Smaller bulbs like crocuses 3-4 inches deep
This protects bulbs from freezing and provides good root run. Measure depth from the bottom of the bulb, not the top.
Extending the Bloom Season
You can enjoy spring bulbs blooming from March through May by making successive plantings:
-
Early Blooms: Snowdrops, crocuses, winter aconite. Plant September-October.
-
Midseason Blooms: Daffodils, hyacinths, alliums. Plant October.
-
Late Blooms: Tulips, lilies, iris. Plant November.
Mixing early and late blooming varieties together extends overall bloom time. Plan bulb combos to ensure bloom times overlap for continuous color.
Caring for Bulbs After Flowering
Remove spent blooms but leave the foliage in place. The leaves produce nutrients bulbs need to store for next year’s flowers. Cut back foliage only after it turns yellow or brown. Mark bulb locations so you don’t disturb them when planting annuals or mulching in spring.
Storing Bulbs Properly Before Planting
If you purchase bulbs well before the ideal planting time, proper storage is important:
-
Store bulbs loose, not touching each other in an open box or paper bag.
-
Keep bulbs in a cool (60-65°F), dry, dark place like a basement or garage.
-
Check bulbs and remove any rotting ones before planting.
With proper planting techniques and timing, spring bulbs will establish quickly and provide cheerful color in your garden after a long Wisconsin winter. Pay attention to bloom times and combine early, mid, and late season varieties for a continuous spring bulb display.
Tips for Successful Bulb Planting
To ensure your bulbs thrive and produce beautiful flowers, consider the following tips:
- Choose the Right Location: Most bulbs prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location. Avoid areas where water tends to pool, as this can cause the bulbs to rot.
- Plant at the Correct Depth: A general rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth of about three times their height. For example, if a bulb is 2 inches tall, plant it 6 inches deep.
- Spacing Matters: Give each bulb enough space to grow by planting them at least twice their width apart. This ensures they have enough room to develop and prevents overcrowding.
- Watering: After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly to help them settle into the soil. For spring-flowering bulbs, additional watering is usually not necessary until they start to grow in the spring. Summer-flowering bulbs may require regular watering during dry periods.
- Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch can help regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and prevent weeds. This is especially beneficial for bulbs planted in the fall.
Best Times to Plant Bulbs in Wisconsin
Timing is crucial when it comes to bulb planting, especially in Wisconsin’s unique climate. Here’s a guide to help you understand the best times to plant different types of bulbs:
- Spring-Flowering Bulbs: These include tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. The best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs in Wisconsin is in the fall, typically from late September to early November. Planting during this period allows the bulbs to establish roots before the ground freezes, ensuring a beautiful display come spring.
- Summer-Flowering Bulbs: Examples include lilies, dahlias, and gladiolus. These bulbs should be planted in the spring, once the danger of frost has passed. In Wisconsin, this is usually from late April to early June. Summer-flowering bulbs thrive in the warm soil and will provide stunning blooms throughout the summer months.
- Fall-Flowering Bulbs: These are less common but include bulbs like autumn crocus and colchicum. Plant these bulbs in late summer to early fall, around August to September, to enjoy their blooms as the season changes.
Easy Way To Plant Flower Bulbs – Wisconsin Garden Video Blog 466
FAQ
When can I plant bulbs in Wisconsin?
When to plant: Hardy spring-blooming bulbs must be planted in the fall. The ideal time for planting is following “Indian Summer” when autumn temperatures really set in. In southeastern Wisconsin, this is usually the month of October.
Is it a good idea to soak bulbs before planting?
Soaking allows suitable bulbs to absorb enough water to begin growth immediately, saving two or three weeks of time.
What month should you plant bulbs?
The best time to plant bulbs is November for most regions. Cool temperatures at planting time help ensure robust and healthy bulbs in spring.
When to plant allium bulbs in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, garlic should be planted in later summer or fall, usually within a week or two after the first killing frost. This will allow the roots to develop and shoots emerge from the clove but not grow above the soil by the first hard freeze.
When to plant bulbs in Midwest?
Plant spring bulbs in the fall before the ground freezes—ideally, when soil temps are between 40 and 50 degrees.Jul 23, 2023
What is the general rule for planting bulbs?
A general rule for the planting depth is to plant the bulbs at a depth at least twice the height of the bulb (a minimum of 5 cm / 2 inches).