Planting Spring Bulbs

Spring-planted bulbs are a great way to add vibrant color to Hudson Valley gardens throughout the summer, especially once the risk of frost has passed.  New to planting bulbs? Need helpful guidance and tips to ensure beautiful blooms? Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers to help you get planting and get growing!

What are spring planting bulbs?
Spring planting bulbs are bulbs that should be planted in the spring and bloom in the summer. The number of spring bulbs is quite extensive, but the most popular varieties include gladiolus, begonias, dahlias, lilies, freesia, anemone, tigridia, acidanthera, montbretia, sparaxis, iris, brodea, liatris and callas.

What should I look for when buying spring planting bulbs?
In general, look for firm and healthy bulbs. Bulbs that are mushy usually have not been kept in a cool dry place and will rot and therefore not flower.  When buying tubers, look for tubers with 3 to 5 eyes and initial root formation.

When should I plant my spring bulbs?
Spring-planted, summer-flowering bulbs and tubers can be planted once the ground has warmed and the risk of frost has passed—typically late April through May in the Hudson Valley.

How deep should I plant spring planting bulbs?
The rule of thumb is to plant the bulb or tuber about 5 inches deep. Exceptions include dahlias and begonias which should be planted just beneath the surface.

How far apart do I plant spring planting bulbs?
For smaller varieties, 4 inches is a good interval, 5 inches apart for gladiolus and 10 inches for begonias. Lilies should be about 12 inches apart and dahlias as much as 16 inches apart. For uninterrupted color, they can be planted even closer together.

What do I do after my spring planting bulbs have bloomed?
Once your bulbs have finished blooming, they can often be used again the following year. With the exception of lilies, the bulbs have to be taken out of the ground if it freezes in your area during the winter. In New York, most summer-flowering bulbs should be dug up after the first frost, allowed to dry, and stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring. If it does freeze in your area, let the leaves die down naturally, then dig up the bulbs and store in a cool dry place and replant the following spring.

You can find a wide selection of summer-flowering bulbs, along with soil and planting supplies, in our seasonal greenhouse departments. Looking for bulbs that bloom in early spring? See our guide to planting bulbs for spring blooms.

Visit Adams Fairacre Farms in Middletown, Newburgh, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, or Wappingers Falls for expert advice and everything you need to get growing in Hudson Valley conditions.

This information is adapted from resources provided by NetherlandBulb.com.