Bulb Basics 101

Ever wonder why spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils need to be planted in the fall? It's because to properly "vernalize" (set themselves up to bloom), the bulbs must go through the cool winter when ground temperatures drop below 50 degrees. So now is the ideal time to plant bulbs.

To plant new bulbs this fall, start with an exploratory visit to your Fred Meyer Garden Center , which is loaded with bulbs ready to burst forth with color next spring. Take some time to look through all the varieties and colors available. You'll want to come in soon as the prime planting season for bulbs is pretty short.

Pay attention to heights and bloom times of the different varieties. You'll want the taller varieties in back, shorter ones up front of course. And placing varieties with early-, mid-, and late-bloom times side-by-side will encourage longer periods of continuous blooms.

Before you buy, have a plan in mind… or better yet, on paper. Choose areas of your yard where you can create nice big plantings (mass plantings of a single color or complimentary colors side-by-side create the most dramatic effect with bulbs). Figure out where to incorporate all the favorites you saw during your trip to the garden center.

When it's time buy your bulbs, hand pick them from the bulk bins. That's because size matters with bulbs… for example, the larger the tulip bulb, the larger the bloom. And for daffodils or narcissus, the larger the bulb, the more flowers it will have. So look for big bulbs that are good and firm.

Now here in the Northwest, we live in one of the very best bulb growing regions in the world… there's nothing as beautiful as a sea of tulips or daffodils come spring. And bulbs like narcissus, daffodils, and crocus respond especially well to this climate by naturalizing to come back strong year after year. But keep an eye on your tulips. It's likely they'll need replacing every 3-5 years in order for your garden to maintain a strong showing. And don't be afraid to try something new and unusual this year. You never know when you'll run across a bulb you'll love!

Click here for Bulb Planting Tips

While much of the information in these tips is applicable in several gardening zones/climates, some of the plants and timing suggested are best suited to the Northwest, generally in the mild/wet growing regions found along the I-5 corridor. You should make appropriate adjustments or consult local gardening experts in regions whose climates differ from this area of the Northwest.