Expert: Laura Walker - 3/11/2006

Question
I have some spring bulbs, I forgot to get them into the ground in the fall, can I plant them in the springtime?

Also how long is too long to have kept bulbs and tubers in the cellar, is 3 years too long?

Answer
Tony,
I never recommend planting spring blooming bulbs in spring. Mostly because of all the foraging animals that will either dig them up or get to them underground,like voles and moles when the ground is soft.
Plant them in the fall because they need a winter chill in order to produce blooms. Depending where you are located plant them from November all the up to the first of Jan.(If you have late winters).Just whenever the ground is not frozen.
About storage: I have stored mine as long as 2 years and Daffodils do perfectly. Not sure yet about the Tulips,but so far mine still look good. If they feel mushy or appear shriveled,then it is too late for them. That goes for the tuners as well. You don't want them to be soft and if tubers are still healthy they usually show some little green sprouts on them as well as Daffodils and Grape Hyacinths.Also,garden centers are now selling "bulblets" which are bulbs that are just beginning to sprout and you could use those. However the cost of buying these to create a beautiful display is pretty steep because they usually sell in seperate pots in order to maximize their profits.
I recommend waiting til fall and getting fresh Tulips and the Dutch Hyacinths since these are not multipliers like the others and are best planted fresh.,but if you have Daffodils and little grape Hyacinth stored they will be fine to plant in the fall.
Hope this is helpful! If you have any more quesdtions just ask!