Planting Bulbs in the Fall

September 3, 2014 | C.L. Fornari | Perennials, Plants, Problem Solving

September in the garden center is a real “circle of life” experience. On the one hand we’re celebrating fall, as the mums, pumpkins and ornamental kale start to flood in and our patio is filled with Halloween decor. But just across from the ghosts and witches is a rack of flowering bulbs. These boxes with their colorful flower labels shout spring, spring spring!

Some might find it hard to focus on plants for next year when their Cape Cod gardens are still filled with their summer-flowering perennials, annuals and shrubs. But there are many reasons to pick up some bulbs for planting this fall.

If you dread the coming of winter, planting spring-flowering bulbs in the fall is a great way to focus on something other than the coming cold season. Think about those flowers that will lift your heart after winter is over instead of impending snow!
Fall is such a pleasant time to be outside on Cape Cod. Planting bulbs is another way to enjoy our beautiful autumnal weather.
Many people look for plants such as daffodils, Allium and tulips in the spring when neighbors have them in bloom…unfortunately, many growers only offer these as potted plants around Easter and by the time they’re in flower in the landscape they’re not available. If you’ve been unable to buy flowering bulbs for instant gratification in the spring, make it a point to put some bulbs in now!

The bulbs you purchase now can be planted anytime between September 1st and the end of November, but earlier is probably better. We hear from many customers who wait so long that they still have the package of bulbs in the garage in January! Here's a tip: buy them now and write "Plant Bulbs This Week" on your calender the first week in October so you don't forget. — The bulbs you purchase now can be planted anytime between September 1st and the end of November, but earlier is probably better. We hear from many customers who wait so long that they still have the package of bulbs in the garage in January! Here’s a tip: buy them now and write “Plant Bulbs This Week” on your calender the first week in October so you don’t forget.

Posted in Perennials, Plants, Problem Solving

2 Comments

Iris Thomas on June 6, 2023 at 5:01 am

Tulips are some of the most beautiful and colorful flowers in the spring. It is critical to know when to plant their bulbs to ensure abundant blooming, especially in humid locations like Massachusetts. Plant them between August 20 and October 20, depending on your area, before the first fall frost.

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- C.L. Fornari on June 12, 2023 at 10:44 am
  
  Iris – our blog is written for those on Cape Cod, and here bulbs are planted in late September or into November. We have warm fall weather so don’t plant fall bulbs in August.
  
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