Several of the fall-planted spring-flowering bulb varieties that mark the end of winter in colder climates can play a role in warm-weather spring gardens too. Most daffodils, some tulips, and several other spring-blooming flower bulbs can be grown in areas as warm as Southern California and the Gulf Coast.

• Daffodils (aka Narcissi) are the biggest surprise: most originate in warm Mediterranean regions and will grow readily in USDA zones 9 and 10, requiring no over-winter chilling at all.
• Other bulbs that take naturally to warmer areas include Allium (Ornamental Onion), Iris hollandica (Dutch Iris), Iris germanica (Bearded Iris), Leucojum (Snowflake), Hyacinthoides hispanica (Spanish Bluebells) and Lilium (Lilies).

• Classic spring bulbs such as Crocus, Hyacinths and most Tulips are less conducive to warm-climate growing conditions but can be grown as annuals in warm zones if pre-chilled for 6 to 8 weeks prior to planting. This gives them the solid dose of winter temperatures they require to trigger their spring bloom cycle.
• Purchase bulbs in the fall for the best selection, and then chill them until planting at 35° F to 45° F (1.5° C to 7° C) in a paper bag kept in a refrigerator crisper drawer. Make sure to keep the bulbs away from any ripening fruits, which give off ethylene gas that can harm the embryonic flower in the bulb.

• Remove bulbs from chilling in late December to early January and plant immediately. Best performing tulips for warm zones include the Darwin hybrids and many of the long-stemmed Single Late varieties including Tulip 'Menton' (apricot-pink petals lined in poppy red), Tulip 'Maureen' (white), Tulip 'Hocus Pocus' (yellow edged in pink), Tulip 'Temple of Beauty' (salmon-rose), Tulip 'Queen of Night' (near black).

Tulip 'Menton'

Tulip 'Maureen'

Tulip 'Hocus Pocus'

Tulip 'Queen of Night'