Key Takeaways
The way bulbs are planted (orientation, depth, and timing) directly impacts how well they perform months later.Good drainage and nutrient-dense soil are just as important as the bulbs themselves.Selecting undamaged bulbs gives you the best chance at a vibrant display in the spring.
The window for bulb planting is almost here, and your technique now will have a direct impact on the health of your flowers next year. Whether you’re planting tulips in the front yard or adding daffodils along a walkway, how you handle this stage of planting can be the difference between a thriving, show-stopping bed or a disappointing, thinned-out display.
While the process may seem relatively simple—dig, drop, cover, and wait for spring—several garden experts warn that a simple misstep can significantly undermine your efforts. They also point out a few other mistakes to avoid with your bulbs this year for the best results possible.
The One Thing You Should Never Do When Planting Bulbs
Let’s start with what we’re told matters most: Don’t plant your bulbs, corms, tubers, or rhizomes upside down. If you accidentally get it wrong, the shoots will still fight their way to the surface. However, this struggle saps energy and often leaves you with fewer or weaker flowers, and in some cases, no flowers at all.
“It sounds simple, but it happens often,” says Petar Ivanov, gardening and plant expert for Fantastic Gardeners. “The pointed end should face upwards, and the flatter, root plate end should face downwards.”
Lucie Bradley, a greenhouse expert from Easy Garden Irrigation, says you should look for signs of roots. “To identify the base of the bulb, study the shape and look for the flatter, rougher part of the bulb—you may even see where there have been roots before,” she explains. “This is the base of the bulb and goes to the bottom of the hole you have dug.”
Both experts note that it isn’t always easy to tell the top from the bottom of certain bulbs. If you’re stuck, they say you can just lay the bulb on its side. “Although this will slow down growth, it’s better than planting it upside down,” says Bradley.
Other Things You Shouldn’t Do When Planting Bulbs
Unfortunately, putting your bulbs in the ground the wrong way isn’t the only mishap you can make. Here are several other bulb planting mistakes that can keep your flowers from blooming at their best.
Planting at the Wrong Depth
According to the plant experts we spoke to, this planting error was nearly as detrimental as planting the bulbs upside down. “Many people either only skim the surface or bury the bulbs too deep,” says Ivanov. “As a general rule, bulbs should be planted at a depth of about two to three times their own height. If they’re too shallow, they’re likely to get pushed up by frost or disturbed by animals. If they’re too deep, they will struggle to emerge.”
While that general depth guidance works for most bulbs, Bradley recommends checking the supplier’s recommendations on planting depth whenever possible. “Smaller bulbs, such as crocuses, will be planted closer to the surface, while larger bulbs, such as daffodils, will be planted deeper,” she says. To keep at the right depth, find a trowel with a measuring gauge down the blade.
Planting Too Early
Keep an eye on overnight temperatures before you start planting. “For best results, plant the bulbs when there’s a chill in the air, typically when nighttime temperatures are between 40 and 50 degrees—usually around late October to early November,” says Laura Janney, the founder of The Inspired Garden Masterclass.
Trent Brown, a landscape designer from Ground Break Design, says when you plant bulbs too early, they could start growing before the frost and get damaged through the winter. “Exact timing depends on the hardiness zone that you live in, but cool soil temperatures are ideal for bulb planting. As long as the soil is still workable and not frozen, try to wait as long as possible,” he says, adding that early to mid-October is usually a good time if you live in cooler climates.
Ignoring Soil Drainage or Quality
Bulbs hate sitting in waterlogged soil, and Ivanov says one of the biggest causes of bulb rot is planting them in heavy clay soil without amending it. “The right way is to work in grit, sand, or compost to improve the drainage,” he says. “In very wet gardens, planting the bulbs in raised beds or pots can also solve the problem.”
Once you have the soil properly draining, Brown says you need to think about soil quality: “Consider mixing a good potting soil back into the hole you’ve dug to create favourable conditions in the spring. It doesn’t hurt to sprinkle in a bulb fertilizer as well to help with root development when they take off.”
Using Damaged Bulbs
Unfortunately, buying damaged bulbs is relatively common and can result in poor growth or no growth at all. “Ideally, check how the bulbs look and feel before making your choices,” says Bradley. “Otherwise, if you are shopping for them online, buy from a well-known grower or from a company recommended to you, so you know you will get good-quality bulbs.”
When buying in person, select bulbs that are firm when squeezed. “Any that are soft or squishy are not healthy,” she says. Additionally, the surface of the bulb should look clean and dry, with no signs of mold, dark spots, or a shrivelled, papery texture.
“If you can check the weight of the bulb in your hand, then the weight should match the size—not too lightweight, as this indicates that the bulb has dried out, probably due to incorrect storage or being stored for too long,” Bradley continues. A heavier bulb is usually healthier, fresher, and has been stored correctly, with the correct level of moisture and stored nutrients for healthy growth.
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