When to Plant Your Perennial Bulbs

When you plant your perennial bulbs is largely determined by what zone you live in, although because of season fluctuations, you may be safer by checking your soil temperature before you plant as well. The goal with planting perennial bulbs in the fall, is to allow them enough time to start developing a root system before going dormant over winter, but not too much time as that they will start to sprout green growth on top.

One way to determine if it is time to plant your perennial bulbs in the fall is to check the soil temperature. In general, the soil should be below 60 degrees Fahrenheit when you put your perennial bulbs in the ground.

In terms of planting zones, perennial bulbs should be planted in September or October for most climate zones. But if you live in a region warmer than zone 5, here are some suggestions as to when is the best time to plant your perennial bulbs:

• If you live in Zones 6 or 7, you should plant your perennial bulbs in late October and early November
  
  
• If you live in Zones 8 or 9, perennial bulbs should be planted in late November or early December. The perennial bulbs will also need to be cold treated at least six weeks before planting. (You can cold treat your perennial bulbs by storing them in the refrigerator during this period).
  
  
• If you live in Zone 10, your perennial bulbs should be planted in late December and early January. The perennial bulbs will need to be cold treated for at least eight weeks before planting.
  

By following these instructions, you should be on your way to success with your fall planted perennial bulbs.

For more information about perennial bulb gardening, I strongly recommend you consider picking up a copy of Anna Pavord's lovely book: Bulb.

In the book you will find nearly six hundred different entries about different bulbs and tubers you can grow, including detailed descriptions of the blooms, the plant size, hardiness levels, native areas they are found in, and their bloom seasons. The book is wonderfully written and each entry contains photographs of individual bulb blossoms. Easily one of the most definitive books on the topic, and a necessity for any serious perennial bulb gardener! Click here to get it on sale now at Amazon.com!