When to Plant Flower Bulbs:
Gulf Coast
Optimum Planting Time: October 1st - December 31st
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8, 9
Region "I" — Gulf Coast
Your area, with its mild winter climate and hot humid summers, is perfect for most summer-blooming
bulbs - and fine for a surprising number of spring bloomers too, if carefully chosen.
General Instructions:
Most daffodils and other narcissi will thrive in your area even without pre-cooling,
but tulips will require more effort! Most hardy spring-flowering bulbs must be treated
as annuals in your area as there is not normally a long enough cold period to trigger the
bloom cycle. To pre-cool tulips, hyacinths and crocuses, store at 35-45° F, for instance
in a refrigerator crisper drawer, for a minimum of 8+ weeks and up to 14+ weeks. It's important
to avoid storing bulbs near ripening fruit, as it gives off ethylene gas which can damage
the flower inside the bulb. Once removed from cool storage, plant bulbs immediately.
Special Note: Your best bets are bulbs that originate from warmer climates and
do not require much if any cooling. Top performers are listed below. Other local favorites
for fall planting include freesias, Anemone coronaria, and rununculus. Among the tulips
(which do require cooling), Darwin Hybrids are reported as among the best performers.
A Sampling of Flower Bulbs for Perennializing: (return for several years)
A Sampling of Bulbs for Naturalizing: (return & multiply)
Shop for Fall Bulbs