Planting Fall Bulbs for Spring Flowers: Complete Guide with Chart

Fall-planted bulbs (tulips, daffodils, etc.) spend winter rooting and bloom first in spring. Don't stop gardening—autumn is bulb-planting time!

Tips for Planting Bulbs in Autumn

• Buy from reputable nursery/catalog—second-rate bulbs = poor flowers or no sprouts.
• Visit our Flower Guides for inspiration (tulips, daffodils, etc.).

When to Plant

• Anytime before ground freezes. Lower South (no hard freeze): early November.
• Plant soon after purchase.
• See chart for bulbs by hardiness zone. Warm South: some bulbs (tulips) act as annuals—replant yearly. Others (daffodils) perennialize.

How to Plant

• Sunny, well-drained site. Work in compost.
• Plant generously (some fail). Random spacing for natural look. Large drifts need many bulbs.
• Depth = 3x bulb width. Sandy soil: deeper; clay: shallower.
• Fertilize with low-nitrogen (9-6-6) after planting.
• Water well. Mulch for weeds/moisture.
• Voles/squirrels? Plant in chicken wire cages. Or choose rodent-proof bulbs.

Fall Bulbs Growing Chart

Click to enlarge chart for bulb types, zones, depths, spacing, bloom times.

Fall-Planted Bulbs Growing Chart

Also see spring-planted bulb chart!