How to Plant Forced Bulbs in the Garden
Spring flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils bring a sense of renewal and joy, but if you missed planting bulbs in the fall, there's still a way to enjoy their beauty - by planting forced bulbs in your garden. These bulbs have already been chilled and encouraged to grow, making them a convenient option for adding instant spring color to flower beds, borders, and outdoor spaces.
What Are Forced Bulbs?
Forced bulbs are spring-flowering bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses, that have already been chilled and coaxed into early growth. These bulbs are available at Estabrook's in early spring either as sprouted bulbs or already in bloom.
Why Plant Forced Bulbs?
Planting forced bulbs directly into your garden has several benefits:
Instant Spring Color - No need to wait months for blooms.
Easy Transition - Forced bulbs are already growing and can be placed directly in garden beds.
Naturalizes Your Space - Many bulbs will return year after year when planted properly.
Great for Late Planters - If you forgot to plant in fall, this is your chance to still enjoy spring flowers.
How to Plant Forced Bulbs
1. Choose Healthy Forced Bulbs
Select strong, green shoots with firm bulbs. Avoid bulbs that are soft, dry, or have yellowing leaves. If the flowers have not fully opened, even better - this will allow them to last longer once planted.
2. Pick the Right Location
Most spring bulbs thrive in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Choose an area in your garden where they will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Avoid low-lying spots where water tends to pool.
3. Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil in your chosen area to about 6-8 inches deep and mix in compost or manure for added nutrients. If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding sand or perlite to improve drainage.
4. Plant the Bulbs
- If the bulbs are in bloom, carefully remove them from their container and place them in the soil at the same depth they were growing in the pot. Try not to disturb the roots too much.
- If the bulbs have sprouted but not yet flowered, plant them slightly deeper - about 2-3 times the height of the bulb-to encourage better root development.
- Space bulbs 3-6 inches apart, depending on their size.
5. Water Thoroughly
After planting, water the bulbs well to help them settle into their new environment. Keep the soil moist but not soggy while the flowers are blooming.
6. Care for the Bulbs After Blooming
Once the flowers fade, do not cut back the leaves immediately. The foliage gathers energy for next year's blooms, so allow it to wither naturally before removing it. You can fertilize lightly with a balanced bulb fertilizer to encourage strong growth for the next season.
7. Decide Whether to Leave or Lift the Bulbs
- Perennial bulbs (such as daffodils and hyacinths) can stay in the ground and return year after year.
- Tulips and some other forced bulbs may not rebloom as well the following year, so you can either lift them after the leaves die back and store them for fall replanting or replace them with fresh bulbs next season.
Enjoy Instant Spring in Your Garden
Planting forced bulbs directly into your garden is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy spring flowers, even if you missed planting them in the fall. Whether you tuck them into flower beds, garden borders, or beneath trees, these bulbs will bring an instant burst of color and possibly return for years to come.
So next time you see forced bulbs at Estabrook's, don't hesitate - bring them home, plant them in your garden, and enjoy a vibrant spring display!