The ABC’s of Bulb Gardening in the US

We explain the very basics of bulb gardening for US conditions. Choose from a variety of bulbs to plant in your garden throughout the year.

Flowering plants that overwinter and multiply by means on fleshy stems of leaves are called bulbs. The bulbs we grow in our gardens today are native to temperate zones all over the world, the woodlands, meadows and mountains of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North America.

The Dutch have been extremely successful over the centuries in collection and hybridizing new species of bulbs and improving them for reliable garden performance. Tulips in particular, once played an important role in the Dutch economy.

There is no easier plant to cultivate than a bulb. Planted at the right time, in a loose, well-draining soil, bulbs will bloom punctually year after year and even spread (“naturalize”) if conditions are to their liking.

By planting a sequence of spring-, summer- and fall-flowering bulbs at the appropriate time, you can enjoy their blooms practically year ‘round.

More specific information on growing flower bulbs and bulb gardening is contained on our flower bulb page. Following is an excellent collection of bulbs on sale. Select your favorite bulbs, do some bulb gardening and create beautiful colors in your garden.

Fall (late September through late November) – Plant hardy, spring-flowering bulbs: tulips, narcissus (includes all types of daffodils), crocus, eranthis (winter aconites), erythronium, fritillaria, hyacinths snowdrops, scilla, hardy cyclamen, lilies. In California and milder areas of the Southwest, also plant ranunculus, freesias, anemones and paperwhites outdoors. Store tulips, crocus and hyacinths in refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before planting. In all regions, store potted bulbs in refrigerator for forcing indoors.

Winter – In California, plant prechilled- hardy bulbs outdoors. In all regions, remove sprouted bulbs from refrigerator for indoor forcing.

Spring – Plant more tender, summer-flowering bulbs: achimenes, gladioli, alliums, calla lilies, tuberous begonias, ixia, crocosmia, dahlias, cannas.

Late Summer – Plant the late bloomers: fall crocus, fall- and winter-blooming hardy cyclamen.

Click here to browse bloomingbulb.com for #1 quality plants and bulbs.

Garden Design

Garden Styles

Garden Features

Resources

The ABC’s of Bulb Gardening in the US


Home Garden Design Garden Design Landscape Ideas Design for Free Garden Plans Design Services Testimonials Garden Styles Japanese Garden Container Garden Rose Garden Herb Garden Flower Garden Garden Features Koi Fish Garden Pond Irrigation Garden Lighting Bulbs Resources Free Pictures Top Designs Photo Contest Tips and News Garden Store Garden Journal About Me Contact Us SiteSearch Gardening Links	The ABC’s of Bulb Gardening in the US We explain the very basics of bulb gardening for US conditions. Choose from a variety of bulbs to plant in your garden throughout the year. Flowering plants that overwinter and multiply by means on fleshy stems of leaves are called bulbs. The bulbs we grow in our gardens today are native to temperate zones all over the world, the woodlands, meadows and mountains of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North America. The Dutch have been extremely successful over the centuries in collection and hybridizing new species of bulbs and improving them for reliable garden performance. Tulips in particular, once played an important role in the Dutch economy. There is no easier plant to cultivate than a bulb. Planted at the right time, in a loose, well-draining soil, bulbs will bloom punctually year after year and even spread (“naturalize”) if conditions are to their liking. By planting a sequence of spring-, summer- and fall-flowering bulbs at the appropriate time, you can enjoy their blooms practically year ‘round. More specific information on growing flower bulbs and bulb gardening is contained on our flower bulb page. Following is an excellent collection of bulbs on sale. Select your favorite bulbs, do some bulb gardening and create beautiful colors in your garden. Fall (late September through late November) – Plant hardy, spring-flowering bulbs: tulips, narcissus (includes all types of daffodils), crocus, eranthis (winter aconites), erythronium, fritillaria, hyacinths snowdrops, scilla, hardy cyclamen, lilies. In California and milder areas of the Southwest, also plant ranunculus, freesias, anemones and paperwhites outdoors. Store tulips, crocus and hyacinths in refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before planting. In all regions, store potted bulbs in refrigerator for forcing indoors. Winter – In California, plant prechilled- hardy bulbs outdoors. In all regions, remove sprouted bulbs from refrigerator for indoor forcing. Spring – Plant more tender, summer-flowering bulbs: achimenes, gladioli, alliums, calla lilies, tuberous begonias, ixia, crocosmia, dahlias, cannas. Late Summer – Plant the late bloomers: fall crocus, fall- and winter-blooming hardy cyclamen. Click here to browse bloomingbulb.com for #1 quality plants and bulbs.