Spring bulbs are planted the fall before — the payoff for the wait is some of the earliest color in the whole garden.
Why Fall Planting Matters
Tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths all need a period of cold — typically 12 to 16 weeks below about 40°F — to trigger the internal process that leads to spring bloom. Planting in fall, several weeks before the ground freezes, gives bulbs time to establish roots before winter sets that cold period in motion.
Planting Depth and Spacing
A general rule is to plant a bulb at a depth roughly three times its own height, pointed end facing up. Clustering bulbs in groups of at least five to seven, rather than a single scattered row, gives a fuller, more natural-looking display come spring.
Let the Foliage Finish Its Job
After blooming, leave the foliage in place until it yellows and dies back naturally — it's recharging the bulb for next year's flower. Interplanting bulbs among later-emerging perennials helps hide the fading foliage without cutting it prematurely.
