As the weather gets colder, some gardeners begin to wonder if it’s too late to plant bulbs for spring flowers like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, alliums, and more. You can plant bulbs at almost any time of year, but you should consider vernalization requirements and whether the ground has frozen.
Vernalization
Many bulbs require a cold period of time during which they go through a process called vernalization. If they aren’t exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period of time, they may not produce buds and eventually may die.
Spring-flowering bulbs are often sold in the fall because that is the best time to plant them for flowers the following spring. There is a caveat though. If you live in a location that doesn’t get cold enough in the winter, you will need to give your bulbs an artificial cold period by placing them in a refrigerator for up to 16 weeks. You can also purchase bulbs that have been pre-chilled.
Frozen Ground
Another thing to consider when asking yourself is it too late to plant bulbs is if the ground has frozen enough to prevent you from digging a hole.
Theoretically, as long the bulbs will have enough of a cold period, you can plant bulbs in the dead of winter if you can get them in the ground. Ideally, however, they should have a few weeks to establish themselves in the soil and start to grow roots before the ground freezes.
Is It Too Late to Plant Bulbs?
Bulbs can be planted at any time of year but for the best results, they should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes and with enough time to go through the vernalization process required to produce blooms the following spring.
