The Summer Secret: Why Smart Gardeners Shop for Fall Bulbs Now

By: Ashleigh Smith for True Leaf Market

As the spring season is coming to a close, it is time to start planning bulbs for next year. Next year, really? Yes! Spring-blooming bulbs are some of the most recognizable blooms in the garden, but they require a bit of planning. Because most spring-blooming bulbs require a cold period, it is important to plant them in the fall. You can get a head start by preordering your bulbs today for shipment in time for fall planting.

Fall-Planted Bulbs Require Cold Periods for Spring Blooming

Many flowers require a cold period in order to bloom. This is common among wildflowers that are naturally cold-stratified in mountainous regions. Spring bulbs have similar requirements: cool temperatures under 45°F for 8-12 weeks. This cold period is called vernalization. When spring-blooming fall flower bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, muscari, crocus, allium, and irises are planted in the fall, they develop a strong root system to support early growth and blooming. Without the cold period, they often don’t bloom or bloom poorly if they don't receive enough chilling hours.

Plan Now To Secure Unique Varieties

I totally understand that planning next year's spring garden this far in advance may seem a bit extreme. But when it comes to bulbs, there are many unique varieties with limited availability that aren’t typically found in those big-box store displays. By shopping now, you can design uniquely beautiful displays that will make your landscape stand out from your neighbors. From black petals to bicolored blooms, there is something for every style and aesthetic.

Creating Layered Bulb Displays

If you are new to designing attractive seasonal bulb displays, there are a few simple principles you should follow to achieve a low-maintenance spring display. The key is to design by height. Different bulbs mature to various heights, so you want to be sure to create a backdrop with some tall foliage and blooms that rise up above the rest.

Common tall bulbs reaching 24+ inches tall include bearded irises, alliums, and some tulips, which are great for lining the back of your display area. Alliums are also great for creating a green backdrop, as their long, green leaves allow small- and mid-range bulb colors to really stand out while their spherical blooms shoot upward.

Then, in the middle of your planting area, you can fill in with a variety of mid-range 12-24-inch-tall bulbs like tulips and daffodils. These are some of my favorite bulbs for showcasing unique shapes and colors. Have you ever seen a bicolored double daffodil? They are absolutely stunning!

Lastly, fill in along borders and walking paths with short bulbs measuring less than 12 inches tall. These include crocus, muscari grape hyacinth, and traditional hyacinth bulbs. Grape hyacinths are some of my favorites for creating a flood of pink or purple between the other blooms, as their blooms are very small, yet attractive.

Don’t Forget About Planting Fall Garlic Bulbs

Right about now, you may be seeing gardeners harvesting their garlic bulbs. Don’t miss out on the delightful flavor that comes from freshly harvested garlic. Plan your fall-planted garlic crop so you can be harvesting this time next year! Like fall-planted flower bulbs, garlic bulbs also require a cold period. By planting in the fall, your cloves will begin to root and develop bulbs as spring temperatures warm. Just one bulb can be split into individual cloves and develop into 6+ individual garlic plants. Some of the most popular garlic varieties grown by home gardeners include Blue Music and Krandasger Red.

Skip the Fall Rush — Preorder Your Spring Bulbs Now

Fall is a busy time with school starting up again, holiday preparations beginning, and the post-harvest cleanup rush. Take care of your fall bulb selections now by preordering them for fall planting. Preordering allows you to choose from the most unique and popular varieties available that are often left off of large box store displays.

When the early blooms spring from the soil early next year, you will thank yourself for planting bulbs this fall. Shop a variety of common and unique bulbs at True Leaf Market for a display that will have everyone asking what you planted. Want even more spring blooms? Shop our wide selection of wildflower seeds that are perfect for fall sowing.

About the Author:

Ashleigh Smith is the Managing Editor at True Leaf Market with a bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. True Leaf Market is a nationally certified organic, non-GMO seed and horticultural company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The True Leaf Market staff specializes in supplying a large selection of conventional, heirloom, and organic seeds to home gardeners everywhere. Learn more about our seeds, supplies, and other growing ideas: www.trueleafmarket.com.

All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.

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