By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
Fall is the time to think about all those flowers we associate with spring: daffodils, crocus, and other easy-to-grow flowering bulbs. If you aren’t growing any spring-flowering bulbs in your landscape, you are missing out on some easy-to-grow plants that provide early color to your garden.
These bulbs are planted in fall because it corresponds to the end of their natural dormancy. Most of these plants begin root growth in fall, followed by a cool stratification period necessary for proper flower development and then shoot growth in late winter and early spring.
No matter which bulbs you select, remember that the largest bulbs will produce the greatest show next spring. However, smaller bulbs will still produce some flowers, and these may be the best choice for mass planting or naturalizing. Avoid any bulbs that feel lightweight as these may have severely dried during storage.
It’s important to plant flowering bulbs at the proper depth, so inquire about plant depth at the nursery or follow the label directions. A light application of bone meal fertilizer at planting is often recommended, though probably not necessary. Most bulbs do not need fertilization until growth emerges in the spring. When you see plants emerging, apply 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of a complete fertilizer (like 10-10-10).
Once flowering occurs, remove the faded blooms, but don’t remove the foliage. The leaves produce sugars and other compounds necessary for the bulb to overwinter and bloom again the next spring. Most bulbs will enter dormancy in late spring or early summer and will renew growth, starting with the root system in the fall.
For more information on planting spring-flowering bulbs this fall, visit the Carter County Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
- The Olive Hill Farmer’s Market is located in the Save-a-Lot parking lot and is open on Wednesdays & Saturdays at 8:00 AM. The Grayson Farmer’s Market will be open on Saturdays at 9:00 AM and is located in the shed behind the Extension Office.
- Small Ruminant Workshop – October 9th from 5:00-8:00 PM @ Lawrence County Extension Office – Call 474-6686 to register.
- Hike & Learn – October 17th – Details TBA
