How to Plant Spring Bulbs in Fall
Tulips, daffodils and crocuses planted in fall reward you with color as soon as winter ends. Here's when to plant, how deep, which bulbs to choose, and how to keep squirrels and deer from eating them.
By Pond.com editors Updated 2 min read
Quick answer
- Plant spring-flowering bulbs in fall once the soil has cooled, about 6 to 8 weeks before the ground freezes.
- Plant bulbs about two to three times as deep as they are tall, pointed end up.
- Choose a sunny spot with soil that drains well, since bulbs rot in soggy ground.
- Plant in groups or drifts rather than single rows for the best display.
- Daffodils, alliums and snowdrops are rarely eaten by deer and squirrels.
Planting bulbs in fall is one of the easiest ways to get a burst of color in early spring, just when the garden looks its bleakest. A couple of hours with a trowel now pays off for months, and many bulbs come back year after year.
When to plant
Plant once the soil has cooled, ideally about 6 to 8 weeks before the ground freezes:
| Climate | Typical planting time |
|---|---|
| Cold (northern states) | September to October |
| Moderate | October to November |
| Warm (southern states) | November to December, with pre-chilled tulips |
If you missed the window, plant as long as you can still dig.
Bulbs to try
| Bulb | Blooms | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crocus | Late winter | Small; good in lawns |
| Daffodil | Early spring | Comes back reliably; deer and squirrels avoid them |
| Hyacinth | Early to mid spring | Very fragrant |
| Tulip | Mid to late spring | Often best treated as annuals; squirrels love them |
| Allium | Late spring | Tall purple globes; animals avoid them |
How to plant
- Pick a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Bulbs rot in waterlogged ground.
- Loosen the soil and mix in compost if it's heavy clay.
- Dig to about two to three times the bulb's height. Most tulips and daffodils go about 6 to 8 inches deep; small bulbs like crocus about 3 to 4 inches.
- Set bulbs pointed end up, a few inches apart.
- Plant in groups of 7 or more, or in drifts, rather than single rows.
- Cover, firm the soil and water well.
- Add a layer of mulch in cold areas.
Keep animals away
- Plant daffodils, alliums and snowdrops where squirrels and deer are a problem.
- Lay chicken wire over newly planted beds, then remove it in spring.
- Clean up papery bulb skins, which attract squirrels.
See how to keep deer and rabbits out of your garden.
After they bloom
Snip off faded flowers, but leave the leaves until they turn yellow. They feed the bulb for next year.
Common questions
Not necessarily. You can plant bulbs as long as the ground can still be dug. In mild climates, November and even December are fine. In cold climates, plant as soon as possible before the ground freezes.
Yes. Water well once after planting to settle the soil and help roots start growing. After that, autumn rain is usually enough unless the weather is very dry.
Tulips need a long cold period to bloom. In warm southern areas, buy pre-chilled bulbs or chill them in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 weeks before planting, away from fruit. Many gardeners there grow them as annuals.