Bulb-mania Infographic

Nothing says spring like a colorful burst of flowering bulbs. Plant daffodils, tulips, allium and specialty bulbs in fall and enjoy vivid color after the long winter. Here is how to plant spring-blooming bulbs:

1. Choose the site

Pick a sunny, well-drained area.

If soil is heavy clay, mix in composted leaf mold or shredded wood chips.

2. Prepare the bed

For small groups, dig individual holes.

For larger displays, remove the soil, arrange bulbs (3–5 per sq. ft.), then backfill.

3. Plant the bulbs

Set bulbs three times as deep as their height, pointed side up.

4. Fertilize

Sprinkle a granular fertilizer (5-10-5 or bulb-specific) over the soil.

5. Water well

Soak the area to help bulbs settle and start rooting.

6. Mulch

Add a light layer of mulch to slow freezing and support strong root growth.

7. Protect from pests

If rodents, deer, or rabbits are a problem, plant pest-resistant bulbs like daffodils, fritillaries, grape hyacinths, ornamental onions, or winter aconites.

8. Create impact

Bulbs look best planted in sweeping drifts rather than small clumps.