How to Plant Eranthis Bulbs

Overview

Bulb is often the generic term for any underground root structure that stores everything the plant needs in order to grow. Rhizomes, corms and tubers are therefore commonly called bulbs. however Eranthis plants--also called winter aconite--are not "true" bulbs; they are tubers. Whatever you call their root structures, eranthis are beautiful plants with yellow buttercup shaped flowers that begin to emerge from the ground in late winter or early spring in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 7.

Step 1

Soak eranthis tubers in a container full of water overnight, the day before planting. Plant eranthis bulbs in the fall, generally in September or October.

Step 2

Amend the planting site so that the soil is rich and well draining. The easiest way to do this is to mix some compost into the existing soil. Be sure the planting site is in full sun or partial shade.

Step 3

Dig holes so that the tubers are three inches below the soil's surface. Put the tubers inside with the tip pointing up. Space eranthis bulbs four to six inches apart.

Step 4

Backfill the soil. Push down the soil with your foot to get rid of any air pockets, which can cause root rot, destroying the bulbs. You do not need to water the tubers until they begin to grow the following year.