Proven Winners Bulb - FAQs

When should I plant my bulbs?

Bulbs are generally sold around the time they should be planted outdoors. Ideally, spring blooming bulbs should be planted before the first frost of fall.

Fall planting bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, narcissus, hyacinths, iris, allium, fritillaria, and scilla require a cold period in order to form roots, and based on lighting and warmth conditions will bloom in the spring. These can be planted up until the ground freezes with good success.

Spring planting bulbs are bulbs that should be planted after the threat of frost has passed in the spring and bloom in the summer. The number of spring bulbs is quite extensive, but the most popular varieties include gladiolus, begonias, dahlias, lilies, freesia, anemone, tigridia, acidanthera, montbretia, sparaxis, iris, brodea, liatris, and callas.

If you purchase your bulbs before it is time to plant, store them away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. You don't want to wait too long, since bulbs need time to develop roots before they can bloom. Check your USDA Hardiness Zone and the recommended planting times on the bulb packaging for further guidance.
 

If I don’t plant the bulbs right away, will they start blooming in the package?
How long are bulbs good for before planting?

Unplanted bulbs will not start blooming right away. However, leaving them in their packaging for too long can cause them to dry out and become non-viable. As long as your bulbs are firm and not squishy or shriveled, you can still plant. If you forget to plant the spring blooming bulbs you purchased in the fall before the ground freezes, plant them in containers and leave them in an unheated garage or set them outside for the rest of the winter. Do not hold onto them until spring, as it will be too late to plant them at that time.

Is it better to plant bulbs earlier or later in the season?

Aim to plant spring blooming bulbs in the fall at least six weeks before the ground freezes. Planting them too early when the ground is still warm can cause the bulbs to rot in the ground. Summer blooming bulbs can be planted after the frost has left the ground in the spring. Recommended planting times, which are listed on the bulb packaging, vary depending on the hardiness zone. 

I thought bulbs were supposed to be planted in the fall, so why am I planting these in the spring or summer?

There are many different kinds of plants that come in bulb form. Some are best planted in fall while others prefer spring planting. Bulbs that are planted in the fall typically require a dormant period during winter before they can bloom the following spring.  Bulbs that are planted in the spring typically bloom in the summer or fall.

Which end is up? How should I plant my bulbs?

True bulbs have a flatter side where you may see a few fine roots that have emerged and a pointy side. Plant your bulbs with the flatter side down and the pointy side up. Corms are similar to true bulbs and can be planted in the same manner. Tubers are a bit different. They look like small potatoes with a bit of stem sticking out of the top. Plant them with the stem side facing up. Rhizomes tend to grow more horizontally and send their new growth upward from the nodes or bumps on the root. 

Should I do anything special if planting bulbs in pots?

When growing bulbs in containers, you’ll need to use a lightweight, well-drained potting soil like Proven Winners Premium All Purpose Potting Soil. Heavier soils can easily cause bulbs to rot in pots. The timing of when to plant remains the same whether you are growing bulbs in the ground or in containers.

The simplest method is to plant all of one kind together. For a more complex look, try a technique called “lasagna gardening”. Layer the bulbs based on their recommended planting depth in the container, being sure to leave at least an inch or two of soil between layers for the roots to grow.

If you are storing your potted bulbs outdoors for winter, it's a good idea to sprinkle some granular animal repellent like Plantskydd on top of the soil to keep your bulbs safe from critters. Reapply as needed in the spring once your bulbs begin to grow.

How deep should I plant my bulbs?

Our packaging includes the recommended planting depth, mature height of the plant, hardiness zones and more. A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs two to three times as deep as their height. For example, if the bulb is two inches tall, aim to plant it four to six inches deep.

What happens if I planted bulbs at the wrong time or in the wrong direction?

Nature often finds a way! Bulbs  may be able to grow or bloom even if planted upside-down. You may notice smaller blooms than expected, or more foliage than flowers. However, you should try your best to plant them right side up. If you are unsure of which end of the bulb is the top, plant it sideways. This makes it more likely that the new growth will be able to emerge.

What kind of soil should I use?

When planting bulbs in the ground, you generally do not need to amend your soil. However, if you garden in heavy clay, you may need to plant
them in raised beds or on a slope. Bulbs thrive in well-drained soil and are particularly sensitive to wet soils when they are dormant. Avoid planting
bulbs in areas where water or snow collects. If planting bulbs in containers, use a lightweight, well-drained potting soil like Proven Winners Premium All Purpose Potting Soil.
 

Can I plant flower bulbs around trees and shrubs?

Flowering bulb look beautiful planted around trees and shrubs but be mindful of the potential for competition.  It is important to consider whether each plant will have enough room in the soil to grow plenty of healthy roots and will receive enough sunlight and water to thrive.

How should I water my bulbs?

Water bulbs thoroughly after planting to encourage them to establish roots more quickly. Bulbs need ample moisture when they're actively growing, but soggy soil can harm them. Once your bulbs have gone dormant, they will need minimal amounts of moisture, which rain or snow typically provides.

Should I fertilize my bulbs?

Bulbs already contain enough nutrients stored inside to bloom that first year. Avoid fertilizing spring blooming bulbs after they have gone dormant. Summer blooming bulbs like lilies can be fertilized in the spring once the new shoots emerge and again in midsummer. Use an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer according to the package directions. 

Can I store bulbs for the winter?

If a bulb plant is hardy for your climate, there is no need to dig it up and store it for the winter. Check the bulb packaging to see if your bulbs are hardy in your area.

If a bulb plant is not hardy in your climate but you’d like to try and save it over the winter for next season, follow these steps:

1. Wait until the plant’s leaves have turned yellow or brown in the fall before you dig it up.
2. When it’s time, carefully dig down deep into the soil and lift the bulb out of the ground. Knock as much soil as you can off of the bulb and cut off the remaining foliage and stems.
3. Set the bulbs in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated place such as an unheated garage for a few days and let them dry off before storing them.
4. Once dry, store the bulbs in a cold, but not freezing, place in a cardboard box, paper bag or other breathable container filled with slightly damp sawdust, peat moss, perlite or vermiculite. Do not store them in airtight containers as that will promote mold and rotting.
5. Keep the bulbs away from children and pets, as some bulbs are not safe for consumption.
6. Check the bulbs every few weeks during the winter to make sure they aren’t getting moldy. Discard any mold-covered or rotting bulbs so they won’t affect the others.
7. Once temperatures are above freezing in the spring, take your bulbs out and inspect them, discarding any that didn’t store well. Replant outdoors after the threat of frost has passed.
   
   

Can I store bulbs in the refrigerator?

You can store bulbs in a garage, shed, basement, or closet, but your fridge may be too cold. The ideal temperature for storing most bulbs is between 40-50°F. Be sure they are dry prior to storage since moisture can cause rot.

Should I apply mulch around my bulbs? How deep? When?

When you plant bulbs in your garden in the fall, it’s a good idea to spread a 1-2” layer of shredded leaves or bark over them. Doing so will keep the soil warmer a bit longer, giving your bulbs more time to establish roots before the ground freezes. Mulch also disguises disturbed soil, which curious squirrels and chipmunks that love to eat bulbs are looking for in the fall. Mulching around bulbs after they emerge in spring also benefits them in the same way that mulch makes all of your garden plants happier. It keeps weeds at bay, moderates soil moisture and temperature, and adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.

Is it necessary to deadhead (clip off the faded flowers) of any of my bulbs?

No, it is not necessary to deadhead any of your bulbs. However, if you’d like to do so to tidy up the plant’s appearance, it certainly won’t hurt. For spring blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils, you may remove the entire flower stalk but take care not to remove the foliage until it has turned yellow. Summer blooming lilies will naturally drop their petals once the flowers are spent, leaving their pretty foliage and upright stalks to enjoy for the rest of the season. Summer blooming bulbs like calla lilies and dahlias can be cut to enjoy in bouquets.  
 

Will these bulbs come back every year?

Check the packaging to see in which hardiness zones the bulbs can be expected to survive the winter. If they are not hardy in your climate, expect them to grow and bloom for one season like an annual.