Planting Spring Bulbs

Crinum Lilly from Stock Photo

By Debbie Roland, Master Gardener

The time is approaching to plant the bulbs you will need for beautiful spring flowers. They are best planted in the fall after soil temperatures begin to cool down, but before the ground freezes. The ground freezing is not something we usually deal with in West Texas, but it certainly will cool down enough that it will not support growing bulbs. The general rule is to plant spring bulbs about six to eight weeks before the first freeze. Our first average freeze is November 11, so this is the perfect time for planting.

Spring flowering bulbs include crocus, tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, among others.

Summer flowering bulbs, which include lilies, gladiolus, and caladiums. Elephant ears should be planted in the spring when the danger of frost has passed. In our area, that is late March to early April.

Fall-flowering bulbs, which would include bulbs such as saffron and crocus, should be planted in late summer, so they establish roots before fall blooms appear.

Most local garden centers will begin carrying bulbs in time for fall planting. Beware that inexpensive or discounted bulbs are not usually the best value. They can produce fewer flower stalks and may be old. Check the bag containing the bulbs closely. If the bulbs are wrinkled or are too soft, they are probably not what you want for your landscape.

A good rule of thumb is planting five bulbs in each square foot. You may be tempted to plant them further apart, but you may be disappointed by the showing in the spring. If you want your bed to be even showier, go for nine to twelve per square foot.

Bulb planting tips: Plant bulbs pointy side up at a depth of two to three times the bulb’s height. Plant in soil that drains well, since soggy soil causes bulbs to rot. Also, once planted, you may not remember where exactly you planted them by 2026. The big box stores sell small flags on even smaller wire that are about 12” tall. They are usually in the plumbing section since plumbers use them to mark the ground for ditches. Use these flags to mark where you have planted your bulbs. It can be helpful to use a permanent marker to write on

the plastic flag itself what is planted there. They are inexpensive and will save you from planting seeds or other plants on top of your favorite bulbs.

I have planted different-sized bulbs in the same area by digging the hole twice the size of the largest bulb and planting them to the desired spacing and depth. I then add an inch or two of soil and plant smaller bulbs, finally covering the entire area with soil.

If you have questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 498-4071 or in Midland at 686-4700. Additional information, and our blog for access to past articles, is available at westtexasgardening.org. Click on “Resources.”