How to Plant Bulbs

 

While at first glance a bulb would seem to be like any other bulb, there are some big differences that you won't see until the following spring because, as in many things you buy, "you get what you pay for."

At High Country Gardens, we import our bulbs directly from Holland, buying only the highest quality, largest sized bulbs available for each species. We suggest planting wildflower bulbs in your perennial garden and groundcovers. Many of our high country gardens bulbs are xeric, and can be planted with your xeriscape perennials.

Choose Healthy Bulbs



  • As you can see from the photo, the bigger the bulb, the bigger the first-year flower. Bigger bulbs will also multiply and spread (naturalize) more vigorously.
    Anything in the box that looks like sawdust, a substance often found on tulips and is caused by an insect, is a warning. This indicates a poor quality bulb.
  • Small, discount-priced bulbs not only produce smaller flowers, but some will not bloom at all! And all of the smaller bulbs will be much slower to spread and naturalize.
  • Bulbs should be firm. If soft, they will rot in the ground.
  • Choose bulbs with little new growth. Bulbs should produce roots in the fall; stem growth should take place in the spring.

When to Plant

  • Bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, and iris can be planted from early September to late November or until the soil freezes. A good rule of thumb is to plant them about six weeks before the ground is frozen in your area.

How to Plant

  • Follow the directions on the packets when you buy the bulbs to plant at the correct depth. However, a good rule of thumb is to plant about three times deeper than the widest part of the bulb.
  • Dig a hole, either with a trowel or with a bulb planter. The dibble planting tool works especially well for planting many small bulbs. Add a handful of organic fertilizer such as Yum Yum Mix® to each hole.
  • Place the bulb roots down in the hole and cover with soil. Lightly water and water occasionally during winter months if there is no snow.

Watch this short video on planting bulbs

David Salman demonstrates how to plant bulbs in this short video.

HCG bulbs arrive at your door fresh, plump and ready to grow in your garden. They are sent to us in refrigerated containers from our Dutch growers, and are held in our warehouses's temperature-controlledd storage prior to shipping to insure that they arrive at your door in top condition.