When to Plant Flower Bulbs: Tropical
Optimum Planting Time: December 1st - January 31st
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10
Region "H" — Tropical
Your climate seldom if ever gets a frost and has hot humid summers. It is
the ideal climate for a vast assortment of summer-blooming, tropical bulbs,
but not particularly hospitable to the traditional hardy spring-flowering bulbs
such as tulips.
General Instructions:
The range of lush tropical bulbs available to you is mind-boggling ("to die
for" as some Northerners would say!). But hardy spring-flowering bulbs such
as tulips are a fish out of water, in your neck of the woods. Still, if you
crave seeing tulips in spring, check out your local garden retailer or florist
for pots of nursery-grown tulips and other traditional spring bloomers.
Special Note: The group of bulbs below are from warmer climates that
do not require much if any cooling. Hippeastrum (amaryllis) -- which thrive
in hot, humid climates -- make perfect 'tulips for the south' with their sturdy
stems and large velvety flowers in a broad range of colors (including stripes!).
In general, in areas where the garden isn't far above sea level, raised beds
can improve drainage after hot, humid, summer storms.
A Sampling of Flower Bulbs for Perennializing: (return for several years)
A Sampling of Bulbs for Naturalizing: (return & multiply)
Shop for Fall Bulbs