Solve Common Bulb Problems: Q&A

Q: Animals are eating my bulbs before they flower. How do I stop this?

Apply animal repellents like Liquid Fence regularly to protect new growth. Or plant unpalatable bulbs—deer and rabbits love tulips and crocus but avoid alliums and daffodils.

Q: Squirrels dig up my bulbs after planting. How do I stop them?

Chicken wire is the classic fix. Enclose bulbs in a small wire cage, or lay wire flat over the planted area and cover with mulch.

Q: When is it too late to plant bulbs?

Bulbs lose viability at room temperature by December, often sooner. Plant as soon as you get them—September and October are ideal. Discard any shriveled, rotten, or soft bulbs; plant only firm, healthy ones.

Q: How do I keep potted bulbs from freezing over winter?

In Zone 8+, pots can stay outside. In colder zones, move to an unheated garage/shed, or place against the foundation and pile mulch deeply over and around them. Uncover in early spring.

Q: Do I need special bulbs to force, or can I force any kind?

Paperwhites are popular because they need no chilling. Most other bulbs can be forced if refrigerated 10–12 weeks in a paper bag (keep away from ripening fruit, which emits ethylene). Then plant in pots or gravel‑filled vases with water.

Q: How do I grow bulbs that aren’t cold‑hardy in my zone?

Retailers sell tender bulbs (gladiolus, freesia, tuberose, dahlia, canna, caladium, calla) in spring for planting after frost. In fall, dig them up, store in dry peat moss, keep cool but never frozen. Or discard and buy new next year.

Q: How do I get all bulbs in a combination to bloom together?

Buy pre‑packaged combos—growers synchronize bloom times. For DIY combos, check catalog descriptions for early/mid/late categories and combine within the same category. Note which bulbs bloom simultaneously in your area and use that as a guide.

Q: Can I transplant bulbs?

Yes. Wait until foliage dies down in summer. Dig and replant immediately. Overcrowded naturalizing bulbs (especially daffodils) benefit from division: separate and replant several inches apart; they’ll rebloom in a couple of years.