Bulb Planting Season Is Here: Prepare for a Burst of Color

As the summer gardening season ends, brightly colored flowers are fading, as if saying goodbye. While the vibrancy of a summer garden slips quietly away, gardeners can prepare for next spring’s vivid colors in the landscape by planting springflowering bulbs now through early November.

David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist, said planting bulbs in the fall gives them time to establish a root system before the winter cold sets in.

“Bulbs need a chilling period to bloom in the spring,” he said. “Planting the bulbs at this time of year will provide that and help ensure the bulbs will grow into a strong plant next spring. Be aware that planting bulbs too early will result in premature sprouting.”