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Best Spring Bulbs for New England

Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers

New England, Spring Bulbs for New England, Spring Flowers for New England, US Region Map, US Planting Map

Optimum Planting Time: September 15th — November 15th

A New England
B Mid-Atlantic Coastal
C Appalachian
D South Atlantic Coastal
E Great Lakes
F East Central
G South Central
H Tropical
I Gulf Coast
J Northern Central
K Central & Great Plains
L Rocky Mountains
M Arid West
N Northern Pacific Coast
O Southern Pacific Coast
P Alaska
U.S. Bulb Planting Regions Map

General Instructions

  • Plant bulbs in the fall, starting when nighttime temperatures stay between 40-50° F. But, be sure to plant approximately six weeks before the ground freezes to allow sufficient time for rooting. Bulbs will root best in cool soil and once rooted undergo natural changes that keep them from freezing. Water your bulbs after planting to help them start the rooting process.
  • After planting, apply slow-release ‘bulb food’ fertilizer on the top of the ground to supply nutrients for the second year’s bloom. (Bulbs are already fully charged with energy for peak flowering performance in their first spring bloom season.) Do not put the fertilizer in the hole with the bulb as this may burn the bulb’s tender roots.
  • Please note: Modern bone meal generally has little value as a bulb fertilizer and often draws rodents and dogs that dig up the bulbs looking for bones!
  • After the ground cools or freezes, cover your bulb beds with a lightweight mulch (pine needles, buckwheat hulls, straw, or chopped-up leaves) 2 — 4 inches thick to help keep down weeds and maintain a consistently cool soil temperature.

Special Note
For those in colder areas, it may be possible to “extend” the reach of marginally winter-hardy bulbs by planting in warmer ‘micro-climates’.

  • Choose sites protected from wind and extreme cold exposure,
  • Mulch heavily
  • Plant deeper

It’s worth a try if you really want to grow something “just beyond” your hardiness zone range.

Guide Information

Plant Type Bulbs
Season of Interest Spring
Height
Spread

List of Bulbs for Perennializing (return for several years)

List of Bulbs for Naturalizing (return & multiply)

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

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Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
New England
Guides with
New England
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Plant Type Bulbs
Season of Interest Spring
Height
Spread
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
New England
Guides with
New England

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