Growing Guide

Planting Basics

These Spring-blooming bulbs need to be planted in the Fall months to do their best. As a general rule, we suggest planting by Thanksgiving. You can plant later—even in January—just don’t forget to plant them, as they won’t hold over for next year without being in soil.

Planting Depth:

  • 4”-6” below ground level is ideal, but deeper is okay.

  • Shallower is risky, as bulbs could freeze, but adding layer of mulch can help remedy that.

Fertilizing:

  • Fertilize at the time of planting with a full-spectrum fertilizer like 5-10-10.

  • If you miss that step, fertilize in Spring just as the blooms are fading.

Watering:

  • Winter rains usually provide enough moisture for bulbs planted in the ground.

  • Container bulbs or those planted under cover will need watering throughout the Winter.

More Planting Information

Our bulbs are planted in the Fall and grow in the soil during the Winter season. They must be planted deep enough to stay protected from freezing temperatures.

Soil Depth & Temperature

  • In the Pacific Northwest, bulbs can safely be planted 6" underground.

  • This protects them even if temperatures drop into the teens (°F).

  • Standing water is a greater concern than cold temperatures — bulbs do not like “wet feet.”

Drainage Tips

  • Choose a planting site with good drainage.

  • For containers, make sure pots have drain holes.

  • Avoid using pot saucers during wet weather — they trap water and can drown bulbs.

Soil Conditions

Bulbs prefer neutral soil with a pH of around 7.0, but they can tolerate slight variation.

  • Tulips in particular struggle in acidic soil over time.

  • If your soil has a lower pH (around 5.5), add lime to raise it.

  • The best time to add lime is in the Fall. Work it into the soil where bulbs will be planted.

After Bloom Care

After your daffodils and tulips bloom, it’s best to pick off the dying flowers and discard them.

Why this matters:

  • As flower heads decay, they may mold, and mold spores can infect the healthy foliage.

  • Removing the seed pod beneath the flower allows the plant’s energy to go back into the bulb for next year’s bloom.

Pests & Protection

  • Mice love tulip and crocus bulbs, and moles can help them reach freshly planted bulbs.

  • To protect them, plant bulbs in a container or can (with holes for drainage) and bury it in your landscape.

  • Deer often eat tulip flowers right to the ground — avoid planting in areas that deer can access.

  • Daffodil bulbs are poisonous and are not bothered by rodents or animals.