Blog

Fall Bulb Planting Guide: Tulips, Daffodils & Beyond

Posted on by admin
10
Sep

Tips to get bulbs in the ground now for a colorful spring—brought to you by Donaldson’s Greenhouse.

Fall is the moment to plant hope. Tuck bulbs into cool soil now and, come spring, your beds and containers will pop with color. Whether you’re new to bulbs or a seasoned planter, Donaldson’s Greenhouse has the varieties, tools, and know-how to make it easy.

Start with the Right Bulbs

Swing by Donaldson’s Greenhouse to compare sizes and varieties—bigger bulbs generally mean bigger blooms.

  • Tulips – Endless colors; great for bold clusters and containers.

  • Daffodils – Tough, perennial, and deer-resistant; naturalize beautifully.

  • Crocus – Earliest color; perfect for lawns and at the edge of beds.

  • Hyacinths – Fragrant clusters that shine near entryways and paths.

  • Alliums – Structural, globe blooms that bridge late spring.

  • Bonus picks – Muscari (grape hyacinth), fritillaria, and snowdrops extend the season.

Pro tip from Donaldson’s Greenhouse: For areas with deer pressure, prioritize daffodils, alliums, fritillaria, and muscari.

When to Plant

Plant once days are cool and soil temps trend into the 40–50°F range—typically mid to late fall before the ground freezes. That window gives bulbs time to root without sprouting.

Not sure if it’s time? Bring a quick soil read or ask at Donaldson’s Greenhouse—we’ll help you gauge your timing.

Where & How Deep

Choose sunny, well-drained spots. If your soil holds water, mix in compost and bark fines for drainage.

General depth rule: 3× the bulb’s height (measured from top to bottom of the bulb).
Quick depths & spacing (center-to-center):

  • Tulips: 6–8″ deep, 4–6″ apart

  • Daffodils: 6″ deep, 6–8″ apart

  • Hyacinths: 5–6″ deep, 5–6″ apart

  • Crocus: 3–4″ deep, 3″ apart

  • Alliums (ornamental onions): 6–8″+ deep, 8–12″ apart (larger types need more room)

Grab a bulb planter or auger at Donaldson’s Greenhouse—they make quick, consistent holes.

Planting Steps (Fast & Foolproof)

  1. Prep the spot: Loosen 8–10″ of soil, blend in compost.

  2. Fertilize lightly: Mix a slow-release, low-nitrogen bulb food into the planting zone (avoid high-nitrogen lawn food). We stock bulb-safe formulas at Donaldson’s Greenhouse.

  3. Set bulbs pointy side up: Unsure? Lay them sideways; they’ll orient themselves.

  4. Backfill & water once: Settles soil around roots; then let fall rains do the rest.

  5. Mulch 1–2″: After the first hard frost, add a light mulch to prevent frost heave. Pull back in early spring.

Design Ideas for a Long Bloom Season

  • Layer (lasagna) planting in pots: Alliums deepest, then tulips, then crocus on top. One container, months of color.

  • Drifts, not dots: Plant 7–15 bulbs per group for bigger visual impact.

  • Stagger bloom times: Early crocus → mid tulips/hyacinths → late alliums for a seamless show.

  • Mix heights: Daffodils mid-bed, tulips up front, alliums as spring “fireworks.”

Need help pairing colors and bloom times? Bring photos of your beds to Donaldson’s Greenhouse—we’ll sketch a quick plan with you.

Critter-Smart Planting

  • Favor deer-resistant picks (daffodils, alliums, fritillaria, muscari).

  • Plant tulips inside beds ringed with daffodils as a gentle deterrent.

  • Cover freshly planted areas with light mulch; where squirrels are persistent, lay temporary mesh (hardware cloth) over beds until the soil settles.

  • Skip bone meal if critters are a problem—it can attract them. Ask Donaldson’s Greenhouse for alternatives.

Container Bulbs That Wow

Containers are perfect for entryways and patios. Use a high-quality potting mix, ensure drainage, and group bulbs tightly (still at proper depth). In colder snaps, slide pots close to the house or wrap them. We carry frost-tolerant pottery and pot feet at Donaldson’s Greenhouse.

Aftercare & Next Spring

  • Leave foliage until fully yellow—the leaves recharge bulbs.

  • Deadhead spent flowers (especially tulips) to keep energy in the bulb.

  • Top-dress with compost in fall and again lightly in spring for soil health.

  • For reliable tulip displays every year, many gardeners replant fresh tulips each fall and rely on daffodils/alliums for perennial return. Donaldson’s Greenhouse can help you plan a refresh cycle that fits your style.

Bring Your Garden to Life Next Spring

Stop by Donaldson’s Greenhouse for premium bulbs, bulb planters and augers, deer-resistant selections, potting mixes, and friendly advice. Bring bed measurements or a quick sketch—we’ll help you pick quantities, time your planting, and design a bloom sequence you’ll love. Plant a little now, and let spring do the rest!

admin