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Fall is a great time to add flowering bulbs to your garden. Flowers that bloom early in the spring, such as daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinth, are planted in the fall. Horticulture Agent Leslie Rose has created a video series to help you with planting bulbs this fall.
Scroll down for a list of tips for selecting, planting, and caring for bulbs in your garden.
As a gardening enthusiast living in North Carolina determining the optimal time for planting bulbs has become second nature. Watching a garden burst into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors each spring is truly rewarding. However to ensure your flower beds are blooming with bright and cheery flowers, it’s essential to understand the ideal time to plant bulbs in North Carolina.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about when and how to plant bulbs in North Carolina for a stunning spring garden.
The Best Time to Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs in North Carolina
The optimal time to plant spring flowering bulbs in North Carolina is generally from late October through early December This window of 8-10 weeks allows bulbs to be planted when soil temperatures have cooled to around 60°F, This cooler soil provides the necessary chilling period most bulbs need to prepare for sprouting and flowering in spring
Planting bulbs too early, such as September, may cause them to sprout before winter arrives. Exposure to early frosts can damage bulbs that have already begun to grow. Waiting until late December may reduce the chilling period needed for vigorous spring blooms. Late planting also increases the risk of bulbs not rooting properly before the ground freezes.
Therefore, for most regions of North Carolina late October to early December is the prime bulb planting time. Adjust dates appropriately for your specific hardiness zone and location. Coastal areas may be able to plant a week or two earlier than the mountains.
Soil Conditions for Planting Bulbs
In addition to timing, soil conditions are a critical factor for success when planting bulbs in North Carolina. Well-draining soil is essential to prevent bulb rot. Loose, sandy, or loamy soils that allow water to drain away from bulbs are ideal.
If your garden has heavy clay soil, add compost, peat moss, or other organic material when planting to improve drainage. You can also plant bulbs in raised beds which provide better drainage and soil quality.
Test your soil pH and amend if needed to maintain a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.0-7.0. While most bulbs tolerate a wide pH range, growth will be best near neutral levels.
Mixing a granular slow-release bulb fertilizer into the soil when planting will provide nutrients bulbs need to establish roots and prepare for spring growth. Additional phosphorus can also encourage root development.
The Best Bulbs to Plant in North Carolina Gardens
Some of the best bulbs for North Carolina gardens include:
Spring Blooming Bulbs
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Daffodils – Cheery yellow blooms. Plant October-November.
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Tulips – Vibrant cups in many colors. Plant November-December.
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Crocuses – Delicate purple, white or yellow. Plant October-November.
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Hyacinths – Fragrant colorful spikes. Plant October-November.
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Alliums – Round pom-pom blooms. Plant September-November.
Summer Blooming Bulbs
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Gladiolus – Tall spikes of ruffled blooms. Plant March-May.
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Lilies – Large dramatic flowers. Plant March-April.
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Dahlias – Showy pom-pom like flowers. Plant April-May.
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Begonias – Rose-like blooms. Plant April-May.
Fall Blooming Bulbs
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Colchicum – Lavender blooms. Plant September-October.
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Autumn Crocus – Rosy purple flowers. Plant August-September.
For most vibrant spring gardens, focus on planting daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and crocuses during the optimal fall planting times.
How to Plant Bulbs in North Carolina Gardens
Follow these tips for proper bulb planting technique:
Choose a sunny spot – Most bulbs thrive in full sun to part sun exposure.
Prepare soil – Loosen soil, remove weeds/rocks, mix in compost.
Dig holes 2-3 times the bulb width. Larger bulbs planted deeper.
Place bulbs pointy end up in holes and cover with soil.
Space bulbs 2-6 inches apart depending on bulb size.
Water thoroughly after planting and as needed if soil dries.
Consider mulching to retain moisture and insulate bulbs.
Avoid common mistakes like planting too early, improper depth, overcrowding bulbs or insufficient watering.
With the right combination of timing, preparation, and technique, planting bulbs in the fall can provide a spectacular spring flower show in North Carolina gardens year after year. A little effort in the fall yields huge rewards come springtime!
The optimal fall planting window is closing soon, so don’t delay ordering and planting your bulbs this season if you want to enjoy their cheery flowers next spring. With this guide’s handy tips, you’ll be on your way to a breath-taking bulb garden that will be the envy of the neighborhood!
Planting and caring for bulbs
- Soil test to determine if the soil pH is correct; apply lime according to your results if needed to adjust the pH.
- Amend your soil – clay is the worst planting soil for bulbs! Use an amendment such as compost or leaf mulch to add organic matter and improve drainage.
- Generally, plant bulbs at a depth that is 2-3 times the size of the bulb
- Incorporate slow-release fertilizer with nitrogen and phosphorus at the time of planting. In future years, you can apply each fall or apply when the shoots first emerge in spring.
- Don’t fertilize after blooming – this leads to disease.
- Use mulch to cover bulbs, or consider planting cool-season annuals on top of your spring-flowering bulbs.
- Wait to cut back shoots until they begin to brown. Avoid tying up foliage as it inhibits the plant’s ability to perform photosynthesis.
- If your bulbs are planted in grass, wait 6 weeks after flowering to mow the grass.
- If dividing plants that grow from bulbs, do this after flowering has ended.
- If storing bulbs, store them in a cool (60-65°F), dry place. Avoid exposure to ethylene.
- In the fall, you want to plant your bulbs when the soil temperature is consistently 60°F or below. You can check the soil temperature at weather stations through the NC Climate Office. If you’re in Forsyth County, the closest station with soil temperature data is the N.C. A&T State University Research Farm in Greensboro.
Using bulbs in the garden
- Plant bulbs in drifts for more impact
- For the most color impact, buy more bulbs of fewer varieties
- Consider the timing of blooms
- Plant early-, mid-, and late-blooming bulbs to extend the bloom time
- Or, pair different bulbs that bloom at the same time for a spectacular but short color show
- Mail order gives you more option, but buying in the store allows you to select bulbs
- Look for plump firm bulbs. Avoid bulbs that are soft or have started sprouting before planting
- See the NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (plants.ces.ncsu.edu) for assistance with plant selection
- See the NC Extension Gardener Handbook, Chapter 10 for a list of tulip cultivars for NC
When to Plant Bulbs in North Carolina?
FAQ
When should bulbs be planted in NC?
Ideally, bulbs should be planted in our area of the country (Fairview Garden Center is located in North Carolina) from mid October through January 1st. Fall bulbs can be planted as long as the soil is workable. Most bulbs prefer full sun, but many do well in partial shade.
Should you soak bulbs before planting?
What month should you plant bulbs?
September to October — Zones 4 and 5. October to early November — Zones 6 and 7. November to early December — Zones 8 and 9. Late December to early January — Zone 10.
Is it okay to leave tulip bulbs in the ground all year?
Northern gardeners can leave their bulbs in the ground year round. Southern gardeners may need to purchase pre-cooled bulbs if their winter temperatures don’t provide the chill many bulbs need to bloom. Start planting your bulbs in fall when the night temperatures stay between 40 and 50 degrees.
When to plant bulbs in North Carolina?
The best time to plant spring flowering bulbs in North Carolina is generally from late October through early December. This timeframe of between 8 to 10 weeks allows optimal soil temperature and moisture levels to give your bulbs the best chance of flourishing.
Should you fertilize bulbs after planting in North Carolina?
It’s a good idea to fertilize older bulbs after planting to provide nutrients and encourage growth. A 12-4-8, 12-6-6, or 16-4-8 fertilizer can be used for spring flowering bulbs. By following the tips and tricks outlined above, you can ensure that your bulb-planting efforts in North Carolina are successful.
When should you plant plants in North Carolina?
Due to a variety of growing needs, Bradley recommends following a regional planting calendar to get the timing right within a particular climate. “Some plants do better in the spring and fall, others thrive in the long days of summer,” she explains. Planting calendars are available for Eastern, Central, and Western regions of North Carolina.
What bulbs can I plant in North Carolina?
When choosing which varieties of bulbs to plant, there are several great choices available that will work well with the climate in North Carolina. Popular options include daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and crocus. These bulbs can be planted in the winter and will root and germinate during the cool season.
When is the best time to plant wildflowers in North Carolina?
Most vendors have complimentary catalogs that offer this information. ✿ October is the best time in North Carolina to sow most wildflowers—such as Red Poppy, Catchfly, Rocket Larkspur, Shasta Daisy and Lance-leaved Coreopsis. ✿ To achieve fall blooms, varieties of cosmos perform best when sown in early July.
When should I plant bulbs in New England?
In New England, plant bulbs after the last frost of the season, which typically occurs between the end of March in zone 7 and the end of May in zone 3. Choose a location to plant your bulbs.