Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 10/21/2006

Question
Dear Kenneth:  My friend has 100+ daffodil and tulip bulbs she bought last summer and had planned to plant this fall.  However, she had her first baby in July, and now is finding it difficult to get the time to do the planting.  Can these bulbs be successfully planted in the Spring, and if so, when?  If they can, how should they be preserved over the winter?  If they must be planted this Fall, up until what time do we have to plant them?  We live in the Boston area.  Thank you for your help!  Sally

Answer
Spring flowering bulbs, like tulips and daffodils must be planted in fall as they must go through a vernalization (cooling) period during the winter (in planted condition when roots develop into the soil). The vernalization period programs the bulbs to flower.

You can plant as late as you need until the soil freezes. It is best to plant after first night frost have occurred so any time in October/November will do. Even if you have to dig the soil now and then leave the soil in a wheel barrow in the garage waiting to plant. When your friend is ready, dump some soil in the hole, put tulips/daffodils on top, and top up with soil. As long as it is not freezing the particular day (you must be able to water) the bulbs will do well.

Best result you will have if you can plant in either October or November.