Although Christmas is just around the corner, spring will be here before you know it! Many gardeners have known what they’ll plant since last season. Others take their time with a new design, carefully researching types of plants and flowerbed arrangements. Some gardeners go to the nursery when it’s spring and ‘wing it’, waiting to see what catches their eye.
One type of plant which can’t be planted at the last minute are flowering bulbs. Knowing when to plant springtime bloomers in Atlanta will ensure that your yard is colorful and attractive exactly when you want it!
When to Plant Springtime Bloomers in Atlanta
Planting spring-blooming bulbs is all about timing. Planting bulbs too soon increases their risk of being affected by fungus or rot. Plant them too late, and they won’t have enough of the cold dormant time they require in order to bloom.
Generally speaking, you want to plant bulbs six weeks before the first frost is expected and the nighttime temperature is around 40° – 50°. This means that for zone 8, which is Atlanta’s growing zone, you can expect to plant bulbs at the end of November or early December.
Spring-blooming bulbs require a period of chilling, and Atlanta has mild winters compared to much of the US. If the winter appears to be cooling late, then you can chill your bulbs in the fridge and wait until the end of December or potentially even January to plant.
How to Plant Flowering Bulbs
Planting spring-blooming bulbs is easy!
You Will Need:
Bulbs of your choice
Trowel or Shovel (depending on the size of area)
Method:
Decide if you are planting bulbs singly, in groups, or in a pattern.
Dig a hole a size which is appropriate for your bulb. Every bulb will have an optimal planting depth.
Place a layer of bone meal at the bottom of the hole. Bone meal is natural food for your bulbs. Lay your bulb on top of the bone meal.
Cover your bulb with soil. Gently press down the soil, but make sure not to pack it down tightly.
Wait until spring for beautiful blooms!
Best Flowering Bulbs to Plant in Atlanta
There are plenty of bulb types to choose from for Atlanta, which is located in zone 8 of the plant hardiness map.
Some of the best flowering bulbs for Atlanta are:
Allium – Allium’s tall stalks cap with large, purple, globe-like flowers which bloom towards the end of the season.
Amaryllis – The vibrant red flower of the amaryllis plant are frequently seen solo, set in dramatic, minimalist displays. They’re also perfect for outdoor gardens!
Crocus – Crocuses come in many colors, ranging from vibrant gold to deep purple. Some varieties are even striped with multiple colors!
Hyacinth ‘Blue Jacket’ – These blooms feature a column of star-shaped blue flowers which will be attractive in just about any flower bed arrangement.
Narcissus – The yellow, multi-layered flower more commonly known as a ‘daffodil’ makes for perfect springtime bouquets.
Snowdrops – Blooming near the beginning of the season, the small, white flowers on top of long clusters of stems are unmistakable to identify.
Tulips – Tulips come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some yards feature carefully planted patterns to impress passers-by during full bloom!
Some varieties of bulbs require a longer chilling period than others. With winters in Atlanta starting later than these bulbs require, it may seem impossible to plant that perfect cold-weather bloomer.
Don’t despair! All you need to do for cold-weather bloomers is to place them in the coldest part of your refrigerator 8 – 10 weeks before planting.
For the refrigerator-chilled method, make sure not to place vegetables near your bulbs. Fruits and vegetables naturally produce ethylene gas, a substance which can kill your bulbs!
Northside Tool Rental
In the middle of coat and scarf season, spring may seem a distant time. Blooming flowers and green trees are just a couple of months away!
Plant your springtime bloomers now for a beautiful yard your neighbors will envy. Visit Northside Tool Rental and rent a tiller or weed eater to make preparing your flower bed easy.
