Time to plant fall bulbs
Spring-flowering bulbs such as crocus, tulips, and daffodils should be planted from late September through October.
According to Kansas State University horticulturist Ward Upham, plants need to develop roots in fall and meet a chilling requirement during winter in order to bloom in spring.
Although there is no top growth in the fall, roots are developing. Soil needs to be kept moist but not wet. Mulch can be added after the soil has froze to prevent small bulbs from being pushed from soil by alternate freezing and thawing.
The planting site needs to have partial shade to full sunlight. Ideal soil would be a sandy loam.
Planting depths vary and are dependent on the size of bulbs. Smaller bulbs are planted more shallow.
As a rule, bulbs are planted two to three times as deep as their width. Larger bulbs are normally spaced four to six inches apart and small ones about one to two inches. Planing in clumps or irregular masses produces a better display than planting singly, Upham said.
Tulips and hyacinths, for example, should be set about six inches deep, and daffodils six to eight inches.
"After placing bulbs at the proper depths, replace half the soil and add water," Upham said. "Then add the remaining soil and water again."
Adding back soil in this manner reduces air pockets within soil and provides for good bulb/soil contact.
Gardeners need to remember the pointed end goes up.
