How to Plant Spring Bulbs

Overview

Flowers from spring bulbs are beautiful plants, reliable performers and do well during the summer months, sometimes well into fall. They are frequently called summer bulbs and include giant dinner-plate dahlias, canna lilies, calla lilies, gladiolas, begonias and many more flowers. These bulbs are planted in the spring, rather than the fall, and most of the plants are not hardy in colder climates. Planting these spring and summer favorites is relatively easy and the reward of late spring and summer blooms is well worth the effort.

Step 1

Turn the garden bed with a spade and break up the soil clumps with a garden rake. Add amendments like fertilizer, compost and peat and work them into the soil with a garden fork. Rake the garden bed smooth.

Step 2

Consult the bulb package for exact planting depth. Most spring bulbs are planted 2 to 5 inches deep. Planting depth is how far the top of the bulb should be below the surface of the soil.

Step 3

Dig holes or trenches with a hand spade or bulb planter to the necessary depth. Create mass plantings with trenches or wide, shallow holes.

Step 4

Place the bulbs in the holes or trenches with the pointed shoot end up and the root end down. Place stakes in the soil now, when you can see the bulbs, for plants that require support.

Step 5

Cover the bulbs with soil and water according to variety. Over-watering of bulbs can cause them to rot, but the soil should remain moist throughout the growing season. A well-drained bed is one key to success.