When to Plant Flower Bulbs:
Northern Central
Optimum Planting Time: September 15th — November 1st
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5
Region "J" — Northern Central
This lovely area has very cold winters and moderate summers. The moisture level is moderate
to dry.
General Instructions:
Plant bulbs in the fall starting when nighttime temperatures stay between 40-50°F. But,
be sure to plant approximately six weeks before the ground freezes to allow sufficient time
for rooting. Bulbs will root best in cool soil and once rooted undergo natural changes that
keep them from freezing. Water your bulbs after planting to help them start the rooting
process.
After planting, apply slow release "bulb food" fertilizer on the top of the ground to
supply nutrients for the second year's bloom. (Bulbs are already fully charged with energy
for peak flowering performance in their first spring bloom season.) Do not put the fertilizer
in the hole with the bulb as this may burn the bulb's tender roots. PLEASE NOTE: Modern
bone meal generally has little value as a bulb fertilizer and often draws rodents and dogs
that dig up the bulbs looking for bones!
After the ground cools or freezes, cover your bulb beds with a lightweight mulch
(pine needles, buckwheat hulls, straw or chopped up leaves) 2 — 4 inches thick to
help keep down weeds and maintain a consistently cool soil temperature.
Special Note: Because this area may have a greater risk of a dry autumn, a bit
of extra water after planting may help the rooting process. When there is little or no
snow cover, an extra layer of mulch should help keep the bulbs at a consistent cool temperature
after they have rooted, resulting in more beautiful blossoms.
A Sampling of Flower Bulbs for Perennializing: (return for several years)
A Sampling of Bulbs for Naturalizing: (return & multiply)
Shop for Fall Bulbs