Strategies for Sowing Flower Bulbs in the Winter, as Suggested by Professionals
While you might think of blossoming bulbs as a spring staple, the process for having these gems blossom commences during the fall and winter. Various bulbs can still be planted in your garden during winter, depending on your zone. However, if it's past the point of planting outside, consider growing bulbs indoors and planting them in your garden once they bloom. Regardless of how you decide to plant blossoming bulbs during winter, our experts suggest keeping in mind the following guidelines.
- Bob Johnson, horticulturist at BloomingBulbs.org
- Emma Williams, head gardener at L Gardens
Plant Bulbs Before the Soil Freezes
You can plant bulbs outdoors during winter if the soil hasn't frozen. "It's best to plant them several weeks prior to when the soil freezes because they will be actively creating roots," says Bob Johnson, horticulturist at BloomingBulbs.org.
Although it's possible to plant bulbs during winter if the soil isn't frozen, spring flowering bulbs are best planted in autumn when the weather is mild. "This allows the bulbs to settle in and grow roots before the winter cold sets in," says Emma Williams, head gardener at L Gardens.
Force Bulbs Indoors During Winter
If the soil has frozen and you've missed out on the opportunity to plant spring bulbs outside, grow them indoors instead. Many cold-hardy spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinth, etc.) can be planted in pots to bloom indoors in late winter. Bulbs require a cold period before they bloom; you can buy pre-chilled bulbs that have been given a cold treatment, tricking them into thinking it's winter—but it's also easy to do it yourself.
Know Which Bulbs to Grow Indoors
Many bulbs can be grown indoors, but some perform better than others. "Generally, smaller bulbs work best because they don't get too tall and flop over," says Johnson. "Personally, I prefer miniature daffodils and shorter tulip varieties. Some tulips can grow up to 2 feet, and they're likely to tip over and uproot themselves." Some other plants to consider include hyacinths, crocus, muscari, scilla, dwarf iris, anemones, and other small varieties.
Plant Bulbs Close Together
When growing bulbs indoors, be sure to plant them very close together, says Johnson. Generally, about six tulip bulbs, three hyacinths, or six daffodils will fit into a 6-inch pot. Use a clean clay or plastic pot with drainage holes. Follow these steps when starting bulbs indoors:
- Fill the pot about 1/3 of the way full with well-draining potting mix.
- Place the bulbs in the soil with the pointed sides up, making sure to plant each bulb close together.
- Cover small bulbs with a 1/2-inch of soil and larger bulbs up to their tips.
- Water the bulbs well.
Give Bulbs a Cold Period
Spring flowering bulbs require a cold period and some moisture to put down roots. "The easiest way to do this is to put the pots outside and let Mother Nature do her thing," says Johnson. "You can insulate them with a pile of leaves or mulch." Protect outdoor bulbs from rodents by covering the pots with chicken wire.
You can also chill bulbs indoors by keeping them in a cold garage, basement, or refrigerator. But if you choose the refrigerator, there's one caveat: "You can chill just the bulbs in the refrigerator but not near fruit because the ethylene they give off will hamper the process," says Johnson.
Check on Bulbs During the Cold Period
Check soil moisture every four weeks while your bulbs are chilling. "Toward the end of the cold period, check to see if the bulbs have put down roots," says Johnson. "That is a better indicator that they will bloom than the sprouts."
Bring Bulbs Inside After the Cold Period
When the bulbs have been chilled for the required length of time, bring them inside and place them in a cool, sunny spot, says Johnson. They'll flower about two to four weeks after coming out of the cold. "They will bloom for a shorter period indoors than they would outside," says Johnson. "After they finish blooming, you can try planting the smaller bulbs outside."
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Since it's too late to plant spring bulbs outside due to frozen soil, consider growing them indoors, just like Martha Stewart does in her flower gardens. You can force bulbs to bloom indoors by providing them with a cold period, which can be achieved by placing the pots outside or in a cold garage. After the cold period, bring the bulbs inside to a cool, sunny spot where they'll bloom within two to four weeks. For best results, plant smaller bulbs like miniature daffodils and shorter tulip varieties close together in a pot with drainage holes, ensuring that the pointed sides are up.
