How to Plant Fall Bulbs in Pennsylvania
Fall bulbs, also known as spring flowering bulbs, are hardy bulbs that are planted in the fall and bloom in the spring or early summer. Examples include tulips, daffodils and crocuses. There are many types of plants that are considered to have bulbous root stems--including rhizomes, tubers and corms--even though they are not true bulbs. As long as they are winter hardy in USDA hardiness Zones 5 to 7 (as most fall bulbs are), Pennsylvania is the perfect place to plant them in the fall before the first freeze.
Prepare a place to grow your fall bulbs. It should be in full sun and have rich, well draining soil. Turn over the top 12 inches of your soil and mix in organic matter, such as 3 to 4 inches of peat moss or compost.
- Fall bulbs, also known as spring flowering bulbs, are hardy bulbs that are planted in the fall and bloom in the spring or early summer.
- As long as they are winter hardy in USDA hardiness Zones 5 to 7 (as most fall bulbs are), Pennsylvania is the perfect place to plant them in the fall before the first freeze.
Dig holes to a depth that are 2 to 3 times as wide as the bulbs. This is a general rule that applies to true bulbs and corms. However, if your fall bulbs are actually tubers or rhizomes, they are planted closer to the surface; the planting depth varies from plant to plant. See http://wilsonbrosonline.com/How-To/Planting-Instructions/How-To-Plant-Flower-Bulbs.aspx for the planting depths of common bulbs.
Space the bulbs according to their individual needs. There is no guideline for spacing bulbs since bulbs grow to be different mature sizes. For instance crocuses need to be spaced only about 3 inches from one another, while lilies need more like 10 to 12 inches of space in between plants.
- Dig holes to a depth that are 2 to 3 times as wide as the bulbs.
- However, if your fall bulbs are actually tubers or rhizomes, they are planted closer to the surface; the planting depth varies from plant to plant.
Backfill the soil and pack it down with your hands lightly. Water the area well and mulch. Use between 2 to 5 inches of mulch, such as straw or bark. In Zone 5 you will need more mulch than in Zones 6 and 7.
Time To Plant Bulbs
For the best flowering, plant bulbs in fall and early winter. Without it, you get lots of green leaves but not a lot of flowers. In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 9a, where winter temperatures frequently drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it's best to get bulbs in the soil between October and November when the soil is still warm. In zones 9a through 10b, you can safely push bulb planting back to December or even into early January because the soil doesn't tend to freeze solid in these areas. Prechilled bulbs undergo a cooling period and are ready to go in the ground whenever you get them. Bulbs like good drainage, deep and fertile soil and lots of sun. Right after planting, a 2-inch layer of compost or manure as mulch helps keep the soil warm and moist while the bulbs are putting down new roots. Additional watering is only needed during dry periods when the top of the soil starts to dry out.
- Backfill the soil and pack it down with your hands lightly.
- In zones 9a through 10b, you can safely push bulb planting back to December or even into early January because the soil doesn't tend to freeze solid in these areas.
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Writer Bio
Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
