Bulb flowers are beautiful. They are hardy and bloom for weeks or even months. They are the star of any garden. Bulb plants that bloom in the spring are already done, but bulbs that bloom in the late summer are still open for business.
Planting bulbs is a fun and rewarding way to add bursts of color to your garden. While most spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils need to be planted in fall, there are many summer-blooming bulbs that can be planted in early spring. If you missed the fall planting window, don’t worry – March is still a great time to get bulbs in the ground for summer blooms.
An Overview of Planting Bulbs in March
In general most summer-blooming bulbs can be planted in March in zones 4-10. This includes bulbs like dahlias gladiolus, cannas, and lilies. The key is waiting until the threat of frost has passed. Bulbs need time to establish roots before hot summer weather arrives.
March planting is ideal for
- Zones 8-10: late March to May
- Zones 4-7: May to early June
Avoid planting too early while ground is still cold and wet. Bulbs can rot if soil temperatures are below 60°F. Wait until daytime highs reach 65-70°F.
When planting in March, choose a site with full sun. Most summer bulbs thrive in sun. Good drainage is also key – wet soil can cause bulbs to rot. Amend soil with compost to improve drainage before planting.
Best Summer Bulbs for March Planting
Here are some of the best options for planting bulbs in March:
Dahlias
Dahlias come in a rainbow of colors and add gorgeous, full flowers to the summer garden. Plant tubers 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost once soil warms to 60°F. Plant with the eye facing up, 4-6 inches deep.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus produce tall flower spikes in vibrant colors. Plant corms in March once frost danger has passed, 4-6 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Provide good drainage and even moisture. Stake tall varieties.
Canna Lilies
Tropical-looking canna lilies thrive in heat and humidity, producing flowers late summer into fall. Start rhizomes indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Plant outside once night temperatures stay above 55°F.
Lilies
Plant hardy lily bulbs like Asiatic, Oriental and trumpet lilies in early spring. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant 6 inches deep and provide organic mulch. Most will bloom mid to late summer.
Begonias
Begonia tubers add bright, cheery blooms and bold foliage to shady beds and containers. Start tubers indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date, planting 1 inch deep. Move outside after danger of frost has passed.
Calla Lilies
Calla lilies produce elegant white blooms on long stalks. Plant rhizomes in March, 3-4 inches deep and 12 inches apart. Grow in partial shade with rich, moist soil.
Tips for Planting Bulbs in March
Follow these tips for success with planting summer-blooming bulbs in early spring:
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Check bulbs for signs of mold, damage or rotting – discard any that aren’t firm or healthy.
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Prepare soil by mixing in compost or bulb fertilizer to improve drainage and nutrition.
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Plant most bulbs at a depth 2-3 times their height. Add bulb food or bone meal in planting holes.
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Water bulbs well after planting and keep soil moist but not saturated as roots establish.
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Allow foliage to die back completely after blooming before cutting it. This allows bulbs to recharge for next year.
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Mark spots where bulbs are planted to avoid accidentally digging them up later.
With proper care, bulbs planted in March will establish roots to support their growth and bloom beautifully in summer. Pay close attention to climate conditions and soil temperature when deciding planting time. With a little patience, you can enjoy waves of colorful blooms from bulbs planted in early spring.
Types of flowers to plant
Often considered a first sign of spring, the quaint and attractive snowdrop can actually be planted in the spring and will flower in mid-summer. These bulbs dry out quickly, so be sure to plant them right after purchasing.
Did you forget to plant your daffodil bulbs in the fall? If so, planting them now probably won’t help. However, you can go to the nursery and plant daffodil bulb plants (with shoots but not necessarily blooms). Plant them with the soil that comes with the planter, just like you would with any other summer annual. Depending on your zone, the daffodils will last through early summer.
Similar to daffodils, tulips require three months of cold weather. We still have time to plant bulbs if you forgot to do so in the fall. You can do so now and enjoy some early summer flowers.
Dahlias are a true summer-flowering bulb that needs to be planted once the winter frosts are over. You can plant a bulb (not a bulb plant) to get blooms in mid-July. Dahlias come in varieties of many different colors and sizes ranging from 10-inch to 2-inch diameter. Choose your favorite and wait to plant until ground temperatures are at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Similar to Dahlias, gladioli need to be planted after the last frost and will bloom in midsummer. Gladioli require full sun and excellent drainage. Be careful not to overwater, and only water enough to keep them lightly moist.
Canna Lily bulbs will die in frosts, so wait until another frost is unlikely before planting. This might mean that you plant in early March or mid-April depending on your zone. These pretty flowers don’t need much care, and they do best in full sun and heat, but they can handle some shade. Their bright, exotic colors give off a tropical feel that’s the perfect compliment to midsummer entertaining.
Can you plant bulbs in pots in March?
FAQ
What happens if you plant bulbs in March?
Is March too late to plant tulip bulbs?
What to do if you forgot to plant bulbs?
Can I plant my flower bulbs in the spring?
When is the best time to plant bulbs?
Find out the best time and how deep to plant each type of bulb. After a long, cold winter, the first spring flowers are something to celebrate. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are among the cheeriest plants to pop up in gardens. Besides their season of bloom, these plants have one thing in common: they grow from bulbs.
How do you plant lilies in March?
When planting bulbs, be sure to choose a spot with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Some popular summer-flowering bulbs to plant in March include gladiolus, dahlias, and lilies. If you’re planting flower seeds, be sure to follow the instructions on the seed packet for proper planting depth and spacing.
When are summer bulbs planted?
Summer bulbs are planted in the spring for flowers in the summer and fall. This Spring-Planted Bulb Chart covers dahlias, lilies, and gladioli and more summer-flowering bulbs, detailing hardiness zones, sun/shade, planting depth, and spacing.
Can you grow plants outside in March?
If the weather cooperates, you can grow things outdoors in March. Start seeds of perennials such as columbine (Aquilegia spp.), campanula, Bellflower (Campanula spp.), blanket flower (Gaillardia spp.), globeflowers (Trollius spp.), and pyrethrum (Tanacetum coccineum) indoors under lights. Divide summer and fall-blooming perennials.
