Can I Plant Spring Bulbs in Spring? A Complete Guide

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to start planning your garden! One question that often comes up is whether you can plant spring bulbs in the spring. The short answer is yes, you absolutely can. While fall is generally considered the optimal planting time for many spring bulbs, with some planning and care, planting bulbs in spring can result in a beautiful garden.

Why Plant Bulbs in Fall?

Most spring bulbs are traditionally planted in the fall, typically after the first hard frost. This allows the bulbs to go through a necessary cold period or vernalization before they begin actively growing in spring During vernalization, the bulb builds up flower buds and stores energy it will need for the coming growing season.

Planting in fall gives bulbs time to establish roots before top growth begins in spring A good root system means the plant will have an easier time supporting flowers and foliage. Additionally, bulbs planted in fall avoid the hazards of late spring frosts which can damage emerging plants

So while fall planting has some advantages, spring planting can work too if done correctly.

When to Plant Spring Bulbs in Spring

The ideal spring planting time is early to mid spring, after the last hard frost but before the weather gets hot. This gives bulbs a chance to establish roots before summer.

Bulbs can go in the ground as soon as you can dig in the soil, but waiting until daytime temperatures are reliably above freezing is best. Avoid planting during a cold snap.

In most climates, March and April are good target months for spring bulb planting. In cooler regions, late April to early May may be better. Hot climates can sometimes plant earlier in February.

The key is to plant early enough so bulbs can root before summer but late enough to avoid freezing temperatures after planting.

Choosing Bulbs for Spring Planting

While spring planting works for many bulbs, some flower better when planted in fall.

Good bulbs to plant in spring include:

Canna lily
Gladiolus

Calla lily
Dahlia
Begonia

Caladium
Tuberose
Crocosmia

Anemone

These bulbs tend to be less winter hardy and originate from climates with warmer springs and summers. They perform well when planted in spring after the danger of frost.

Bulbs best planted in fall include:

Tulip
Daffodil
Hyacinth

Crocus
Iris
Allium

These spring flowering bulbs require vernalization over winter to flower properly. Fall planting is recommended, but spring planting can work if bulbs are first pre-cooled.

Spring Planting Success Tips

Here are some tips to help your spring planted bulbs thrive:

Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Most bulbs prefer sun.
Prepare soil well by mixing in compost to enrich and improve drainage.

Pre-cool bulbs for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator if possible. This mimics winter conditions.
Soak bulbs in water for a few hours before planting to hydrate.
Plant to proper depth. This is usually 2-3 times the bulb’s height.

Water thoroughly at planting, then regularly if rainfall is lacking.
Apply mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
Allow foliage to die back naturally for best results next year.

Consider spring planted bulb varieties bred for early bloom.
Provide shelter if late frosts are a concern in your area after planting.

Can You Plant Tulips and Daffodils in Spring?

Tulips and daffodils are best planted in the fall since they require a long winter chilling period. However, with some special care they can be successfully planted in spring:

Pre-chill bulbs in the refrigerator for 12-14 weeks before planting. This mimics winter dormancy.
Choose early flowering varieties bred to bloom with less chilling, such as species tulips.

Protect from late frosts using cloches, fabric covers, or indoor forcing if needed.
Remove spent flowers but let foliage die back naturally for best results next year.
Accept later flowering. Blooms may come up to 4 weeks later than fall planted bulbs.

While results may not be as prolific the first year, you can still enjoy spring blooms from tulips and daffodils planted in spring with proper care. Subsequent years will improve as bulbs establish.

Storing Bulbs for Spring Planting

If you purchase bulbs in fall or winter but need to wait until spring to plant, proper storage is important:

Keep bulbs cool at 35-45°F. A refrigerator crisper works great.
Store bulbs loosely in breathable mesh bags or paper. Avoid plastic.

Check bulbs occasionally and remove any rotten ones to prevent spreading.
Keep bulbs on the dry side – a damp environment can make them prone to mold.
Don’t store with fruits like apples which release ethylene gas that can damage bulbs.

With proper cool, dry storage conditions, bulbs can keep for months until ready to plant in spring.

Can You Transplant Established Bulbs in Spring?

Yes, spring is a fine time to transplant or divide overcrowded bulbs:

Wait until foliage dies back after flowering to divide bulbs.
Carefully dig up bulbs, keeping roots intact if possible.

Gently break bulbs apart into smaller clumps. Discard decaying bulbs.
Replant immediately at same depth in enriched soil.
Water thoroughly after transplanting and provide shade if hot.

Flowers may be reduced the first year as bulbs recover but will rebound.

Transplanting in spring allows bulbs to root before going dormant in summer. Fall transplanting is also an option.

Enjoy Spring Bulbs Planted Either Season

While fall remains the optimal planting time for most spring flowering bulbs, with proper care you can still enjoy success planting bulbs in spring. The key is focusing on bulbs that need less vernalization and providing some extra attention to help them establish roots quickly before hot weather arrives.

With the right bulbs and techniques, spring planting opens up many possibilities for adding colorful flowers to your landscape. Don’t be afraid to plant bulbs in spring – just follow these tips and you can fill your garden with beautiful flowers!

How Do You Plant Bulbs in Spring for Summer Blooms?

When you plant true bulbs, corms, tubers, or rhizomes, they all do best in soil that drains well and is high in organic matter. If the soil is not well-drained, the spring-planted bulbs could rot.

Where Do You Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs?

When considering where to plant your bulbs take into account their light requirements. Some need full sun, which means six hours or more of direct sunlight every day. Other plants can grow in partial shade, which means two to six hours of direct sunlight, or full shade, which means less than two hours of direct sunlight every day. Also take into account their mature height and spread. You should give them room to grow, and you should plant them where they can be seen without getting in the way of other flowers.

What happens if you plant bulbs in the spring?

FAQ

What happens if you plant bulbs in spring instead of fall?

Bulbs also need to put down good root growth before they sprout foliage and flowers. The roots will then be able to supply the tops with water and nutrients from the soil. Waiting until spring to plant the bulbs will not satisfy these requirements, so spring-planted bulbs will likely not bloom this year.

What happens if I plant daffodils in April?

Answer: You can only plant potted bulbs that have emerged and are flowering in spring. No bulbs should be dormant by spring. If you happen to have some live tulip or daffodil bulbs that have yet to fully grow and flower, you can try planting them in spring, but do not expect them to flower properly for at least a year.

Can you plant bulbs in May?

While spring blooming bulbs should be planted in the fall, summer-blooming bulbs should be planted in mid-spring, after the frost’s risk has passed. Usually, we’re safe to plant summer-blooming bulbs after the second week of May. However, if you haven’t planted your summer bulbs yet, it’s not too late!

What to do if you forgot to plant bulbs?

You have several options. You can continue to store the bulbs in a cool location where the temperatures remain above freezing. Then plant the bulbs outdoors as soon as the soil is thawed and workable. If the plants received sufficient cold in storage, they will eventually flower for you this spring.

Can bulbs be planted in the spring?

Yes, many plants that grow from bulbs can be planted in the spring. Plants like lilies, gladiolus, and ranunculus are most commonly planted in the spring. On the other hand, fall is the right time to plant tulips, daffodils, and crocus bulbs.

Where should I plant spring bulbs?

The best place to plant spring bulbs is in a full sun location where the soil is fast draining. Definitely avoid areas where water pools, or they will only rot. They also perform best in loose, fertile soil. Amend poor quality soils with worm castings or compost, and add an organic bulb fertilizer for flowers.

How to plant spring flower bulbs?

Supplies Needed: Step 1: Choose a location – Find the spot in your garden where you want to plant spring flower bulbs. The best location for them is in the full sun. Also, make sure the soil in the area has good drainage. Step 2: Clear the area – Loosen the soil, pull out the existing weeds, and remove any large rocks or sticks.

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.