Best Spring Bulbs for the Northern Central Region
Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers
This lovely area has very cold winters and moderate summers. The moisture level is moderate to dry.
Optimum Planting Time: September 15th — November 1st
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5
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
Because this area may have a greater risk of dry autumn, a bit of extra water after planting may help the rooting process. When there is little or no snow cover, an extra layer of mulch should help keep the bulbs at consistently cool temperatures after they have rooted, resulting in more beautiful blossoms.
Guide Information
Plant Type | Bulbs |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring |
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 |