When to Plant Flower Bulbs:
South Central
Optimum Planting Time: October 15th - December 15th
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7, 8
Region "G" — South Central
Your moderate climate with its mildly cold winters and hot, humid summers,
suits most spring-flowering bulbs except for those that have longer cold requirements
and drier summer dormancy.
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: A number of bulbs do naturalize in this climate. Many
heirloom or 'pass along' bulbs are found around old homes and cemeteries. Some
tropical, semi-tender bulbs winter-over here with proper micro-climate placement
and a mulch blanket.
A Sampling of Flower Bulbs for Perennializing: (return for several years)
A Sampling of Bulbs for Naturalizing: (return & multiply)
Shop for Fall Bulbs