Five Fall Bulbs to Plant

If you haven’t already planted bulbs for the fall season, now is the time to do so! Certain flowers that grow from a bulb in the spring are best planted in September and October, before the snow falls and a hard frost settles in.

Many bulb varieties undergo a process called vernalization, which requires a cold stretch underground to break dormancy and develop; it also allows the flower to produce buds properly. The soil at this time of year is still temperate enough for roots to establish properly, but not warm enough for fresh growth to begin. Furthermore, seasonal rain and cool weather provide enough hydration for the bulbs to settle in without the stress that comes from summer heat.

Why not have flowers pre-planted and ready to bloom early next season?

Here are five types of flowers that grow well in Saskatchewan from bulbs.

Tulips

As far as many are concerned, tulips are the quintessential bulb, blooming in a wide variety of colours. Pay attention to the variety, as some tulips will be more hardy than others in this climate. Plant tulips in a well-draining area where they will receive plenty of sun. Bury the bulbs at a depth of 2-3 times the height of the bulb. This will provide insulation from the cold and protect the bulb from curious critters. Water thoroughly after planting bulbs in the fall, and add a layer of mulch when the ground freezes. After tulips finish blooming, allow their foliage to die back naturally, as the leaves will continue collecting energy for the plant to regrow the following year.

Daffodils

In a range of bright, sunny shades, daffodils are perfect for spring. These flowers require a well-draining soil, and a spot in the yard that will receive full sun to partial shade. Plant the bulbs 2-3 times their height (or 5-6 inches deep), pointed side up. Mixing bone meal into the soil will help the roots take hold. Again, provide plenty of water after planting, and mulch the soil once it starts to freeze to protect the bulbs from freeze-thaw cycles. Daffodils bloom in spring then enter summer dormancy to store energy for the following year. Allow the leaves to die back naturally, and do not water during summer.

Crocuses

Crocuses grow small flowers in a range of purples, yellows, and creamy whites, and more. Instead of a bulb, they technically grow from a corm. Plant corms pointy-side up in clusters rather than rows for greater visual appeal. Plant in well-draining soil, approximately 3 inches deep. Too much moisture in the soil will cause the corms to rot, so amend with compost if the soil is too dense or compacted. Again, provide thorough watering upon planting, and mulch the soil when the ground begins to freeze. Note that wild prairie crocuses do not do well in garden beds and should not be uprooted from their native habitats.

Galanthus

Also known as Snowdrops, these small white flowers get their name from their unique form, like an overturned droplet. They come in single or double variations. Plant galanthus bulbs in well-drained soil, in an area that will receive full sun to partial shade, such as beneath deciduous trees or along borders. Plant these small bulbs 2-4 inches deep, and spaced 2-3 inches apart. Due to their shallow planting, be sure to mulch the soil when it begins to freeze. These flowers are remarkably hardy for our climate, and are often the first flowers that peek out in spring, even through the thawing snow. They enter dormancy in summer, and like the others above, allow the foliage to die back on its own.

Alliums

One of the later bloomers on this list, alliums bloom in late spring to early summer. Although onions are a member of the allium family, ornamental alliums do well from bulbs in Saskatchewan. They blossom as abundant star-shaped flowers in circular heads in a variety of colours, and grow on towering stalks. A larger bulb, three times the height will see them planted 6-8 inches deep, and about three times the size apart. Again, plant these bulbs in well-draining soil in a location where they will receive full sun, as the bulbs can rot if left in too much standing moisture. Alliums are hardy for prairie climates, and are naturally resistant to deer and pests.

Now that you may have a better idea of which bulbs you’d like to plant, head down to Floral Acres to browse the wide selection of flowering bulbs.

Until next time!