Key Points
Flowering bulbs can be planted in fall or spring, depending on the variety.Bulbs planted in fall need to develop their roots before the first frost and need a freezing period to bloom.Bulbs planted in spring require warmer soil, and many like dahlias cannot survive in the winter in the ground.
Bulb flowers are known for their ease of care, long life, and capacity to multiply underground—which means more flowers each year without all the labor. Not to mention, they are hardy, thrive in pots and containers, and offer beautiful color to make your garden pop. However, knowing exactly when to plant bulbs can be a challenge.
Ahead, we break down everything you need to know about planting bulbs in spring or fall.
Meet the Expert
Jenny Rose Carey, garden educator, speaker, and the author of three books for Timber Press, including The Essential Guide to Bulbs, out October 2025.
Peggy Anne Montgomer, horticulturist at Flower Bulb.
Janice Sniffin, UCONN-certified advanced master gardener and fine gardening expert at Hoffman Landscapes.
Should You Plant Bulbs in Spring or Fall?
It will depend on the flower variety you’re planting. According to Jenny Rose Carey, garden educator, speaker, and the author of three books for Timber Press, you can plant some bulbs in the spring after the soil has warmed up. These bulbs will bloom in summer or autumn. And a different set of bulbs should be planted in the fall, which will survive cold temperatures. These will bloom in late winter and spring.
Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!
Why You Should Plant Bulbs in the Fall
Spring-blooming bulbs are planted in the fall. Plant these bulbs in fall once daytime temperatures stay 60 degrees or lower—which should happen in October, November, or even December in some regions and USDA zones.
The bulb’s roots need to develop. “The popular bulbs you see flowering in spring, such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths, need time to develop roots before the ground freezes,” says Peggy Anne Montgomer, horticulturist at Flower Bulb. Bulbs planted in the fall have time to establish roots before winter, setting them up for stronger spring growth.
You want daffodils in spring. These bulbs usually need some weeks of cold weather to initiate flowering. For example, some daffodils need about 10 weeks of cold weather, says Carey.
You want more spring flowers. A proper chilling period ensures more vibrant, healthy flowers in spring, says Montgomer. “Plus, cooler weather means fewer weeds and pests to battle—so, less
competition for your time.”
Fall bulbs manage themselves. Once planted, most bulbs take care of themselves through winter and pop up as a lovely surprise when the weather warms.
It’s easier to plant in fall. As the weather cools, it’s less hot and uncomfortable to toil in the dirt to plant these bulbs.
What Kind of Bulbs Should You Plant in Fall
These are just some of the flowering bulbs you can plant in fall.
Daffodils: These are the easiest of fall-planted bulbs, and daffodils come in a dazzling array of different types. They are rarely bothered by browsing animals, says Carey. And they will multiply year by year with enough sunlight and water during the growing season.
Tulips: They are perfect for growing in containers on your deck or balcony. And the colors, shapes, and sizes are so varied. “If you plant them in the ground, in between rocks or mulched with small gravel, they can come back for some years,” says Carey.
Snowdrops: Simply bury them a couple of inches deep and you’ll have a beautiful flower come spring. However, if you have burrowing animals, use some chicken wire over the flower bed to reduce digging, says Carey.
Grape hyacinths: These come in blue, white, or pink urn-shaped flowers clustered up the stems. They are easy to grow and are another one that does so well in containers, adds Carey.
Alliums: These bloom beautifully after a good winter chill and provide early bursts of color when the garden is just waking up, says Janice Sniffin, UCONN-certified advanced master gardener. “They’re reliable, easy to plant, and foolproof if you follow the basic steps.”
Crocuses: Plant these besides snowdrops for a varied spring bulb garden. “You can even plant them together in the same hole,” says Carey. Both flowers prefer only a few inches of soil, and These flowers aren’t attractive to deer.
Irises: Oftentimes, they’re early bloomers that bring a burst of color when little else is flowering.
Can You Still Plant Bulbs in the Spring?
Yes, you can plant summer- and autumn-flowering bulbs in spring once the soil has warmed.
“These bulbs do not require chilling,” says Montgomer. So, they will perform best when planted after the danger of frost has passed.
What Kind of Bulbs Should You Plant in Spring
Here are a few suggestions for flowering bulbs to plant in spring.
Dahlias: They need warm soil to thrive, so wait until the frost has completely passed. Dahlias come in all different colors and sizes and fun shapes too, Carey adds.
Cannas: If you are looking for a tropical look with big leaves and bright colored flowers, then Carey suggests growing cannas. But be warned, they need plenty of water when they are growing.
Gladioli: These flowers add height with their vertical stems and really bright-colored flowers. “Plant a few each week, otherwise they all bloom at the same time,” Carey recommends.
Begonias: Begonias are great for container gardens or window boxes. There are many types of begonias and not all of them grow from bulbs, but the ones that do are well worth adding to your containers, says Carey.
Calla lilies: Montgomer recommends these flowers because they are elegant, easy-to-care-for plants that thrive in sunny beds or containers.
Anemones: These flowers come in a variety of hues and offer pops of color throughout summer when planted in spring, says Sniffin.
Summer alliums: These summer versions don’t require the cold dormancy that early bulbs need, says Sniffin.
Tips for Planting Bulbs in Fall
Follow these expert tips.
Give it a try, even if you’re a novice. Planting bulbs in the fall is easy because there are fewer weeds and garden pests to worry about. And it is so rewarding when the flowers pop up in spring, says Carey, you will be so delighted that you took the time.Plant at the right depth. Look at the height of the bulb and dig about three times that depth for your hole, says Carey. “Remember to plant the bulbs pointed end up—if in doubt—do sideways.”Buy from a reputable nursery. These organizations are more likely to have healthy bulbs. “But always check that your bulbs are firm, not cracked or stripped of their protective skin—just like you would when buying onions,” says Sniffin.Choose a well-draining spot: Bulbs dislike sitting in soggy soil, says Montgomer. You don’t want to drown your bulbs before they have time to bloom.Sprinkle a little bone meal in the hole: This is optional, but it gives the bulbs a strong head start, says Sniffin.Plan your layout: Think about how you can organize your bulbs by height and bloom time so you can enjoy continuous color, says Sniffin.
Comments are closed.