Spring is just around the corner. As the sun shines brighter and the weather becomes warmer, people start to see the bulbs they planted in the dormant season grow and blossom. Or do they? What if the bulbs aren’t blooming?

According to Lilly Oaks, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System home horticulture agent, people can try applying a bulb fertilizer to boost flower production. However, a lack of blooms may be a result of planting the bulbs are the wrong time.

“Spring-blooming bulbs need to be planted in late fall to early winter, from November to January,” Oaks said. “If the bulbs are planted after that time frame, their foliage may still emerge, but the bulb may not have had time to store enough energy to produce a bloom.”

While gardeners cannot do much now if this is case, they can always plan to ensure they have blooming bulbs next year. Spring bulbs are an excellent way to begin gardening or landscaping, allowing people to grow and enjoy beautiful flowers with minimal effort.

“Growing spring-blooming bulbs are exciting because you plant them a few months before you want to enjoy them,” Oaks said. “Then, when most plants are lying dormant, you can start to see those bulbs sprouting from the ground. It feels like you are getting a glimpse of the spring season to come,”

When purchasing spring bulbs for planting, make sure to check them carefully for signs of mold or softness. Bulbs that are decaying will rot when planted and cease to grow. When planting your bulbs, location is key. Spring bulbs flourish in sunlight, though they can still bloom in partial shade. However, they may have trouble blooming in areas with heavy shade.

For gardeners seeking a bulb that can tolerate some shade, daffodils are a great choice. Alternatively, tulips are a spectacular choice for bulbs that bloom in the sun. After selecting the right location, use a hand shovel to dig a hole roughly 6 inches deep. Place the bulb in the ground with the pointed end facing up. Then, cover it with soil and give it a light watering.

More Information

By following these planting tips, gardeners increase the chances of seeing blooms next spring. For more tips on growing spring bulbs, check out the Extension Brief, “Fall into Spring by Planting Bulbs.” For more gardening information, visit the Lawn and Garden section of the Alabama Extension website, www.aces.edu.