Fall-Planted Bulbs for Gorgeous Spring Blooms

Are you ready to start planting this fall for gorgeous spring flowers? We definitely are!

Alliums, Tulips, Hyacinths, Daffodils, and Crocus - Oh My!

Nature Hills has a dizzying array of classic Spring-Flowering bulb plants! Plus, now we’re excited to reveal the newest bulbs shipping this fall!

Let’s dive into the world of Fall-Planting bulbs and show off some of the newest bulbs hitting the Nature Hills Nursery website!

Which Fall Planting Bulb is Right For You?
Types of Bulbs to Choose From at Nature Hills
When Do I Plant Fall Bulbs?
Why Fall For These Bulbs?
How Do You Use Fall-Planted Bulbs in the Landscape?
How to Plant and Maintain Bulbs
Stopping Squirrels and Rodents From Digging Up Your Bulbs
Newest Bulbs at Nature Hills
Bring On The Spring Blooms!

Which Fall-Planted Bulb is Right For You?

These colorful and fun fall-planted bulbs add life and texture to any garden or landscape! Breaking away from the long, dreary winter with a breath of fresh air and color! Widely adaptable throughout a wide range of climates and growing conditions - bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and other storage types of modified roots can be used as perennial spring additions or as seasonal accents. You can even force these for winter blooms like Amaryllis!

You don’t have to have a rainbow in your yard, but you can in the amazing range of colors that are available to gardeners today! So why not mix it up a little? Plus, there is a wide range of pastels, neutral, and soft colors to choose from, too!

Types of Bulbs to Choose From at Nature Hills

Alliums/Flowering Onions
Amaryllis
Anemone
Bluebells
Crocus
Daffodils
Freesia (in warm zones 8-10)
Fritillaria
Glory of the Snow White (Chionodoxa)
Grape Hyacinth/Muscari
Hyacinth
Iris Bareroot Rhizomes
Magic Lilies (Lycoris)
Narcissus
Peony Bareroot Tubers
Society Garlic (Flowering/Ornamental)
Squills (Siberica)
Tulips

When Do I Plant Fall Bulbs?

You may wonder: When do I plant these exactly? Why is fall the best time to plant flowering bulbs?

When we say fall planting bulbs, we mean spring-blooming flowers! Plant these babies in the fall for full, gorgeous spring flowers!

Here’s the thing - If we ship it, you can plant it!

As long as the ground isn’t frozen, you’re set to plant these plants that have naturally gone dormant at the nursery and shipped in a dormant state to your doorstep!

Nature Hills takes great care shipping these unique bulbs to you still dormant - at the right time for your growing zone so they remain dormant all fall and winter. We watch temperatures and weather and only ship them to your growing zone at the perfect time for you to plant them.

Should freak weather arrive and you are not able to plant your bulbs when they arrive, pot them up in a container of moderately moist soil and store them in an unheated garage or shed. If no pot is available, keep them in their packaging and don’t let them dry out, warm up, freeze, or be exposed to light in that shed or garage.

Why Fall For These Bulbs?

Spring Flowering Bulbs should be planted after the last heat wave in fall, and before the ground freezes. Planting in fall is needed to get the bulbs to make roots before the ground freezes so they are ready to grow in spring. Unlike Lilies and Canna Lily which need to be planted in the spring when it's warmer and bloom in the summer, fall-planted bulbs need the fall season to make new roots, and winter to take care of the chill period.

Like trees and other plants, they need a cooling period (chill hours) and time to establish a healthy root system. This is why these bulbs are shipped while dormant to you at the proper planting time for your growing zone.

Fall is the best time of year to plant these flowering perennial bulbs while they are dormant! All autumn, winter, and early spring - these unique plants with modified roots are busy at work forming new root systems!

How Do You Use Fall-Planted Bulbs in the Landscape?

This is the fun part!

There are so many ways to use fall bulbs in your garden - both in the ground, forced for the winter, or in your favorite seasonal pots! You can be as creative as you’d like when planning your layout!

The possibilities are endless with all the different colors and shapes offered with fall planting bulbs. Let your creativity shine through when planning your landscape!

One way many people use their fall-planted bulbs is to decorate their front yard and ring a mailbox or bird feeder.
Spring blooms are also used to make gorgeous garden beds! Add groupings of color to garden beds as your other plants are still waking up from their winter slumber! The bulbs are summer sun-shy and will appreciate the later emerging foliage of these larger shrubs and perennials! Or mix into Cottage Gardens!

These amazing blooms look beautiful surrounding rocks and in Rock Gardens, a tree, or around a porch as seasonal edging. You can create a lovely mixture of colors and textures to mix and match your current theme!
Another favorite way to showcase spring bulbs is to line an above-ground pool, entertainment area, barbecue pit, gazebo, or other structure with these beautiful spring blooms! You are sure to attract all the attention to your favorite landscape features!
A fabulous use of these bulbs is to call attention to your commercial property or business storefront! Imagine the colorful advertising you’ll gain without any fuss or maintenance - it’s truly amazing!
Pot up your bulbs in planters and containers for a seasonal burst of color. After the flowers fade, the foliage that remains adds greenery among the other plants that flower later in the season. Window boxes and mixed seasonal displays are also fantastic, and once the bulbs are done flowering, they can be moved into a more permanent location in the ground.

Vivid colors, many with incredible fragrances, and big blooms can completely transform any landscape!

Get ready for hungry bees and butterflies that are emerging this time of year to arrive! These early spring nectar and pollen resources are a boon to pollinators at this crucial time of year! If you are in the southern US, then you’ll even support Hummingbirds that are starting on their migratory journeys north!

A bonus about all of these flowers is that they act amazingly as cut flowers! Create a homegrown bouquet you can show off at every meal. Imagine all the spring flowers and fresh fragrances brightening up your home!

You can even try forcing spring-flowering bulbs inside to grow in your home in the late fall to winter months! Others, like Amaryllis, are meant for winter forcing around the holidays!

How to Plant and Maintain Bulbs

Flowering bulbs are easy-to-grow, low-maintenance perennial plants that grow from modified roots - true bulbs, corms, rhizomes, bulbs, and tubers. These forms of storage roots have all they need after being pampered during the growing season in order to burst into bloom each spring!

Of course, you need to make sure you’re planting your bulbs in the right amount of sunlight and the correct soil type! This is all listed with your flower on its Product Description Page.

Soggy sites with poor drainage are the only places these plants won’t do well in. If you have these conditions, then it is recommended that you plant yours in a raised bed or berm, or in a container instead.

Once you’ve found the perfect spot for your new addition, it’s time to plant!

A good rule of thumb is to plant your bulb 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb height.

Next, place your bulb with the roots down and pointed side up in your hole. You can then cover your planted flower bulb with soil and, if you wish, a layer of mulch to conserve water and protect roots. You can add slow-release bulb fertilizer to the site

Watering your newly planted bulb in the well is very important! This ensures they become established in their new growing area and start the plant making new roots right away in the fall. A great rule of thumb to decide if your new addition needs watering is using the Finger Test.

Top off the new bulb bed with a 3-4 inch thick layer of arborist bark chips, compost, or shredded leaf mulch to provide moisture retention and insulation.

Mark where you’ve planted your bulbs with colorful pebbles, glass marbles, or stakes (unless you like surprises in the spring)!

The next step is patience! These fall planting bulbs will bring your gorgeous flowers to life in the spring!

Stopping Squirrels and Rodents From Digging Up Your Bulbs

Sometimes these juicy bulbs, packed with nutrients and carbohydrates, are highly sought after by hungry squirrels, chipmunks, and some rodents. If this is the case, you may find your freshly planted bulbs dug up and gnawed on.

Stop squirrels and other above-ground pests by planting your bulbs out and partially covering them with some soil. Then lay down a layer of chicken wire, secure it in place well, and then finish covering your bulbs with soil. The pests will not be able to get through this barrier. For moles and underground pests, lay the wire below the bulbs and curve it up the sides of the garden bed to create a protective barrier from digging and burrowing critters.

Then put out a squirrel feeder to feed them and give them something easier to access, or install a bird of prey statue to scare them away.

Bring On The Spring Blooms!

Nature Hills has the best variety of Flowering Bulb forms and colors for you to easily create the brightest spring garden on your block! No matter what color palette or theme you’re going for - We’ve got you covered!

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How late in the fall can you plant tulip bulbs and still expect spring blooms?

Tulip bulbs can be planted in fall right up until the ground freezes solid, which depending on your growing zone can stretch well into November or even December in milder climates. The key requirement is that the soil is still workable and not frozen, since bulbs need that period of cold dormancy in the ground to trigger proper spring blooming. If you are in a warmer zone like 8 through 10, you may need to pre-chill your bulbs in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 weeks before planting to simulate the cold period they require. Plant bulbs pointy-side up at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches as soon as yours arrive, and do not wait too long once they are in hand.

Can you plant tulip bulbs in the spring instead of fall?

Tulip bulbs require a cold dormancy period to bloom properly, which is why fall planting is essential rather than optional. Planting in autumn, before the ground freezes, allows bulbs to establish roots while experiencing the necessary chilling hours through winter. If you attempt spring planting, tulips will typically fail to bloom or produce very poor results because they haven't received the cold exposure they need. For best results, plant your tulip bulbs in fall when soil temperatures drop to around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, generally between September and November depending on your growing zone.

Can you replant tulip bulbs after they have finished blooming?

Yes, you can replant tulip bulbs after they bloom, but success depends on proper post-bloom care. Allow the foliage to die back naturally for 6 to 8 weeks after flowering so the bulb can store enough energy for next season. Once the leaves have yellowed and withered, dig up the bulbs, let them dry, and store them in a cool, dry location until fall replanting. In USDA zones 3 through 7, replant them in autumn when soil temperatures drop to around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the best spring display.

Do fall-planted bulbs come back every year?

Many fall-planted bulbs are true perennials that return and multiply year after year, including daffodils, alliums, crocus, and grape hyacinths. Tulips and hyacinths may perform best in their first season, particularly in warmer climates, and are sometimes treated as annuals south of Zone 6. To maximize perennial performance, allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming so the bulb can store energy for next year's flowers. Choose species-type tulips and reliable naturalizers like daffodils and crocus if you want low-maintenance bulbs that reliably return season after season.

Can you plant hydrangeas in the fall?

Hydrangeas are not fall-planting bulbs, so they fall outside the scope of Nature Hills' fall bulb collections, which include tulips, daffodils, alliums, crocus, and hyacinths among others. However, fall is generally an excellent time to plant hydrangeas as shrubs, giving their root systems time to establish before winter dormancy. For best results, plant hydrangeas at least 6 weeks before your first hard frost so roots can settle in, and water thoroughly at planting. Visit naturehills.com to browse our hydrangea selection and find the right variety for your growing zone.

Can you plant hydrangeas in containers or pots?

This question falls outside the scope of the fall planting bulbs content we have available, but here is a helpful answer. Hydrangeas can absolutely thrive in containers, and varieties like Incrediball, Limelight, and Bobo are especially well-suited to pot culture. Choose a container at least 18 to 24 inches wide and deep with good drainage, use a quality potting mix, and be aware that containerized hydrangeas in zones 5 and colder may need extra winter protection since roots are more exposed to freezing temperatures. Water consistently throughout the growing season, fertilize in spring, and visit naturehills.com to find the right hydrangea variety for your zone and container garden.

How do you care for hydrangeas after planting them in fall?

Hydrangeas are not fall-planting bulbs, so care requirements vary by variety, but the general rule after fall planting is to water thoroughly and apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base to insulate roots through winter. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, as this can remove next season's bloom buds on most varieties. Visit naturehills.com to find the right hydrangea variety for your growing zone and get detailed care instructions specific to your selection.

Which fall-planted bulbs grow well in partial shade?

Several fall-planted bulbs thrive in partial shade conditions, including Bluebells, Grape Hyacinth (Muscari), Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa), Squills (Siberica), and many Daffodil varieties. These bulbs are especially well-suited to spots beneath deciduous trees, where they receive bright spring light before the tree canopy fills in. Plant them in fall while the ground remains workable, at a depth roughly two to three times the diameter of the bulb, and choose a spot with consistently moist, well-drained soil for best results.

How do you know when to plant fall bulbs in your growing zone?

Nature Hills takes the guesswork out of timing by shipping your bulbs at the right moment for your specific growing zone, so they arrive ready to plant. The general rule is to get bulbs in the ground after temperatures cool but before the ground freezes solid. As long as the soil is workable, you can plant. Trust the shipping schedule Nature Hills uses for your zone and get those bulbs in the ground as soon as they arrive at your door.

Should you water fall-planted bulbs before the ground freezes?

Yes, watering fall-planted bulbs after planting is an important step before the ground freezes. Give your bulbs a thorough soaking at planting time to help settle the soil and encourage early root development, which is critical for strong spring blooms. In most zones, natural rainfall will handle the rest through late fall, but if you experience a dry stretch before freeze-up, water once more to keep the soil lightly moist. The key is to establish roots before dormancy sets in, so plant promptly upon receiving your bulbs from Nature Hills and water well from the start.

Fall Planting Bulbs Leads to Bright Spring Blooms