Fall-Planted Bulbs…For Flowers Next Spring

For beautiful flowers come next spring, now is the time to start thinking about planting bulbs. As a rule, bulbs need several weeks to get their root systems growing before the ground freezes. But you don’t want to plant them too early, which can allow them time to sprout. (Sending up leaves will deplete some of the energy stored in the bulb, which it needs to get it through the winter.) Of course if you live in a year-round warm climate, these rules don’t apply.

*Most spring blooming bulbs need a good 12 to 14 weeks of cold temperature below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

For a ton of excellent information on planting bulbs, including how to and what type, here’s a great site to visit if you live in Colorado.

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07410.html

And if you’re not in the Colorado area, here’s another great site to find out when and how to plant bulbs in your area…

http://www.almanac.com/content/growing-guide-fall-planted-bulbs