When to Plant Fall Flower Bulbs: Tropical Regions
Region "H" — Tropical
Optimum Planting Time:
December 1st - January 31st
USDA Hardiness Zone:
10
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.