Forgot To Plant Flower Bulbs?

Forgotten Flower Bulbs Can Still Burst Into Colorful Bloom Next Spring

If you forgot about planting your bulbs in fall, all is not lost. You can still coax them
into blooming next spring. As long as the bulbs are still healthy, tulips, daffodils,
narcissi, and grape hyacinths can all be rescued and will provide a stunning spring
display.

I Forgot To Plant Flower Bulbs In the Fall

The best time to plant spring flower bulbs is in fall, about six weeks before the first
frost. Tulips, for example, can be planted any time between September through
December as long as the ground is not frozen. But if you’ve found some forgotten
bulbs in your basement or garage, you can still plant them if they are in good
condition. They should feel solid and heavy for their size with no signs of mushiness
or rotting.

I Forgot To Plant Flower Bulbs: Instant Planting

Plant your forgotten bulbs in pots as soon as you find them. Store the pots in a
dark place until the shoots appear as this creates the period of dormancy they need
to bloom. Once you can see leaves and stems appearing, you can move the pots to
a sunny spot in the garden. Alternatively, if the weather permits, you can transfer
the plants to a bed or border and the bulbs will bloom at their usual time.

For more advice about what to do if you forgot to plant bulbs, visit our blog pages
where you will find a wealth of inspiration, information, and advice about all aspects
of growing fall-planted bulbs.