K-State horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini says bulb planting in the fall allows for roots to establish during the winter.
Fall Gardens: Plants bulbs now for colorful spring displays
K-State horticulture expert says Kansas options extend beyond tulips, daffodils
At a glance: K-State horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini shares tips for planting spring-flowing bulbs in the fall.
More information: Cynthia Domenghini, Cdom@ksu.edu
Related: Specialty Cut Flowers: A Commercial Growers Guide
Sept. 19, 2024
K-State Research and Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini knows that die-hard flower gardeners are thinking about planting bulbs as fall rolls around.
While tulips and daffodils are among gardener’s favorites, Domenghini said there are many other bulb varieties that can be planted in Kansas for a colorful spring show, namely:
- Hyacinth.
- Allium.
- Asiatic Lily.
- Crocus.
- Snowdrops.
- Oriental Lily.
“Spring-flowering bulbs can be planted from now through October, giving them time to establish roots before winter,” Domenghini said.
She suggests that gardeners pick a spot with full sun to part shade.
“Ideally, the soil should be sandy loam, but if not, amend it by adding compost to a depth of at least one foot,” Domenghini said. “Good drainage is essential. Incorporate fertilizer only if recommended, based on a soil test. The soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.0.”
The size of the bulb determines the planting depth, she adds. Tulips and hyacinths are typically planted six inches deep, while daffodil-sized bulbs should be 6-8 inches deep. In general, bulbs should be planted 2-3 times as deep as their width.
“Space large bulbs 4-6 inches apart,” Domenghini said. “Small bulbs can be spaced 1-2 inches apart. Mass plantings create a more aesthetically-pleasing display when spring blooms emerge.”
She adds: “Backfill each hole halfway and water in to settle the soil. Replace the remaining soil and water again. Though you will not see above-ground growth in the fall, roots are still growing. Keep the soil moist and add mulch after the soil freezes to provide insulation and prevent bulbs from being heaved out of the soil.”
Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.
Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at cdom@ksu.edu, or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.
# # #
Sidebar: Question of the Week
I have a plant that comes up in my landscape each fall and quickly spreads. Should I leave it as groundcover, or remove it?
The plant you describe sounds like Glechoma hederaceae, commonly known as ground ivy, or creeping Charlie (see the picture at right). It is a member of the mint family and spreads aggressively. It is acclimated to a variety of growing environments, but favors shaded sites with poorly drained, fertile soil.
At right: Creeping Charlie | Download this photo
For small patches, removing it by hand can be effective, if repeated as needed. To prevent it from establishing in a lawn, maintain healthy, dense turfgrass. In planters, improve drainage by incorporating organic matter; water less frequently; and reduce the shade by pruning trees to help control creeping Charlie.
Broadleaf herbicides can be used, but can also cause harm to landscape plants. The decision to remove the plants is yours, but know that it will continue to spread if not maintained.
Read more about Glechoma hederaceae online.
-- Cynthia Domenghini, K-State horticulture expert, Cdom@ksu.edu
K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.