There is nothing like seeing some green pop out of the green in February when Wisconsin is in it's 4th winter!
In this blog in episode I am only diving into bulb types that are spring blooming that do best in COOL climates. I know there are other types out there but these are the most commonly found types.
Bulb Types | Spring Blooming, Cooler Climates
Crocus
Hardiness zone around 3-8 (fall planting).
Plant these in fall at around 2-3" deep and space each bulb by 3-4".
Most Crocus are purple, blue, yellow, white or a mixture.
Sizing is typically very short, no more that 6" tall.
Bloom time is usually early spring.
Prefers to be in full sun or partial sun.
Perfect for pollinator gardens and cut flower arrangements.
Squill or Scilla
Hardiness zone 3-9 (fall planting).
Plant in fall at 2-3" deep and space each bulb by 2-4".
Mature size and bloom color depends on variety.
Bloom time is usually early- mid spring.
Can tolerate all sun requirements.
Perfect for mass planting.
Tulip
Hardiness zone around 3-7 (fall planting).
Plant these in fall at around 6-8" deep and space each bulb by 4-6".
Mature size depends on variety but typically stays between 16-22" tall.
You can find an Tulips in almost any color and different petal textures as well.
Bloom time is usually early-late spring.
Prefers to be in full sun or partial sun.
Perfect for cut flower arrangements.
Daffodil
Hardiness zone around 3-8 (fall planting).
Plant these in fall at around 6-8" deep and space each bulb by 4-6".
Mature size depends on variety but typically stays between 12-20" tall.
You can usually find an Daffodils in yellow, orange, pink, white or a mixture.
Bloom time is usually early-mid spring.
Prefers to be in full sun or partial sun.
Perfect for cut flower arrangements.
Hyacinth
Hardiness zone around 4-8 (fall planting).
Plant these in fall at around 4-6" deep and space each bulb by 6-8".
Mature size depends on variety but typically stays between 8-14" tall.
You can usually find an Hyacinth in pink, purple, blue, yellow, white or a mixture.
Bloom time is usually mid spring.
Prefers to be in full sun or partial sun.
Perfect for cut flower arrangements and they are fragrant. Depending on the variety, they can also be great for pollinator gardens.
Muscari
Sometimes all referred to as Hyacinth. The flowers are much smaller though.
Hardiness zone around 3-8 (fall planting).
Plant these in fall at around 2-3" deep and space each bulb by 2-4".
Mature size depends on variety but typically stays smaller between 4-8" tall.
You can usually find an Muscari in pink, purple, blue, white or a mixture.
Bloom time is usually mid spring.
Most can an tolerate all sun requirements.
Perfect for cut flower arrangements.
Fritillaria
Hardiness zone around 4-8 (fall pla+nting).
Plant these in fall at around 6-8" deep and space each bulb by 10-12".
Mature size depends on variety.
Most Fritillaria are between purple, pink, yellow, orange, white or a mixtture..
Bloom time is usually mid spring.
Prefers to be in full sun or partial sun.
The bell varieties are perfect for pollinator gardens and cut flower arrangements.
Allium
Hardiness zone around 4-8 (fall planting).
Plant these in fall at around 4-6" deep. Space between each bulb depends on variety.
Mature size and bloom color depends on variety.
Most allium are between purple, blue, pink and white.
Bloom time is usually late spring.
Prefers to be in full sun or partial sun.
Perfect for pollinator gardens and cut flower arrangements.
Iris- Dutch, Bearded, Sweet
Hardiness zone around 3-9 (fall planting).
Plant in fall at
Depth and spacing depends on variety.
Mature size and bloom color depends on variety.
You can find an Iris in almost any color plus some have variegated foliage!
Bloom time is usually early-late spring.
Prefers to be in full sun or partial sun.
Perfect for pollinator gardens and cut flower arrangements.
Lilies- Asiatic, Tiger, Martagon, Foxtail, Oriental
Hardiness zone around 3-9 (fall planting).
Plant these in fall at around 6-8" deep. Space between each bulb depends on variety.
Mature size and bloom color depends on variety.
You can find an Lilies in almost any color and they are usually large growers with big flowers!
Bloom time is usually late spring- mid summer.
Prefers to be in full sun, some can tolerate partial sun.
Perfect for cut flower arrangements.
Other Tips
Fertilizer
From working with many people, most don't feel the need to fertilize their bulbs and I tend to agree. In my experience, I've had bulbs pop back up each year with no help from me. If you are worried about the growth of your bulbs, I would recommend Espoma's Organic Bulb- Tone fertilizer.
The only thing I do to help my bulbs is keep the foliage present after blooming. This can help restore the energy for the following year.
Flower Bulb Companies
Instagram Q&A
I always ask followers if they had any specific questions, opinions or hot-takes I can address in this podcast and blog. Here are the questions and answers for this topic:
"I love daffodils but I have only had one actually bloom in 6 seasons! I only get leaves."
This could be a factor of a few things...
It could be too warm to produce blooms
There could be a lack of sunlight
It could be too much moisture
I would recommend covering the ground with a thick layer or mulch or something to stabilize the ground during winter. I would also recommend trying a fertilizer (I personally like Espoma's Organic Bulb- Tone fertilizer).
"Best spring blooming bulbs for Midwest weather?"
Depends where you are in the Midwest but in my experience, Crocus, Daffodils, Iris, and Muscari tend to be the most consistent.
IN THE COMMENTS, TELL ME YOUR FAVORITE SPRING BLOOMING BULB!
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Love, Holly (Owner & Creator of Houseplant Homebody LLC)
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