Firmly Rooted

Spring Bulbs

by Victoria “Tori” Carver – Flower Farmer

You have heard the old adage, April showers bring May flowers, right? Well, I’ve got a new one for you… “fall bulbs bring spring flowers”. Or maybe, “bulbs planted in the fall bring spring color for all”? Admittedly, it needs a little work, but you get the idea.

There are two subjects in the flower world I am very passionate about. The first is the wonderful world of dahlias. The second is planting fall bulbs. I think everyone should plant fall bulbs! If you want spring flowers in your garden such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, muscari (also known as grape hyacinth), or allium (just to name a few) you need to plant bulbs in the fall. This is because spring-flowering bulbs require a certain number of weeks of cold/below freezing temperatures, in order to bloom well.

The best time to plant bulbs in our zone is in November and early December. Choose a location that has well draining soil and adequate sunlight. Plant bulbs 6” deep with the pointed tip facing up. Cover with soil and water deeply. Watering triggers the bulbs to start growing roots. For a full look, plant bulbs in groupings of five or more and space them 2” to 3” apart. For daffodils that are likely to naturalize, space them further apart.

Did you know you can also plant fall bulbs in planters? I planted several large planters on my deck and porch last year with tulip bulbs and daffodil bulbs and they were absolutely gorgeous when spring arrived. I encourage you to give it a try especially if you have problems with moles or voles.

For container planting, plant bulbs 6” deep in a circular pattern with ½” spacing between bulbs. Water thoroughly at the time of planting and water only lightly if needed until Spring.

You can also layer bulbs when container planting. It is called “bulb lasagna”. The largest and latest flowering bulbs should go in deepest, then follow with the smallest and earliest bulbs in the top layer. Place the first layer of bulbs, tightly spaced, and cover with 2” of soil. Then layer the next set of bulbs. You can plant one layer, two layers, or even three and four layers. The emergent shoots of the lower layer bulbs just bend around anything above them. The last set of tulip or daffodil bulbs should be covered with 4” to 6” of soil. You

Victoria (Tori) Carver is a flower farmer. From the thousand bulbs and plants that she puts in the ground each year she creates lovely bouquets. Many enjoy her flowers in their home each week. She has established a subscription program for her customers or a honor-system bouquet sales for random purchases. Tori and her husband and children make their home in Clayton, where they are a treasured part of the community. If you are interested in Firmly Rooted Flower Farm please reach out by email to firmlyrootedflowerfarm@gmail.com or phone 706-490-0041. You will also enjoy their website at www.firmlyrootedflowerfarm.com can also plant muscari or hyacinth bulbs with your tulips and daffodils for a spectacular spring display.

If you would like access to the specialty tulips and daffodils I grow, you are in luck! I have fall bulbs listed on my website at www. firmlyrootedflowerfarm. com and I will have a booth at the Of These Mountains Marketplace on November 4, 2023. In addition to tulip and daffodil bulbs, I will have a huge selection of Amaryllis bulbs just in time for the holiday gift giving season. I hope to see you there! In the meantime, happy fall bulb planting season!

Victoria (Tori) Carver is a flower farmer. From the thousand bulbs and plants that she puts in the ground each year she creates lovely bouquets. Many enjoy her flowers in their home each week. She has established a subscription program for her customers or a honor-system bouquet sales for random purchases. Tori and her husband and children make their home in Clayton, where they are a treasured part of the community. If you are interested in Firmly Rooted Flower Farm please reach out by email to firmlyrootedflowerfarm@gmail.com or phone 706-490-0041. You will also enjoy their website at www.firmlyrootedflowerfarm.com