Fall Planted Bulbs – Frequently Asked Questions

Fall Planted Bulbs – Frequently Asked Questions

Planting bulbs in the fall is the key to a vibrant, colorful garden in the spring. By choosing the right varieties, planting at the proper depth, and giving them a bit of care before winter, you can enjoy beautiful blooms year after year. This guide answers common questions about fall-planted bulbs, including timing, soil preparation, grouping, and pest protection, so you can plant with confidence and get the most out of your spring display.

When Should I Plant Fall Bulbs

  • Planting Window: Plant fall (spring-flowering) bulbs anytime in the fall before the ground freezes. In east Idaho, plant as early as late August or September and finish by late October.
  • Why Fall Planting Matters: Bulbs need a long period of cool temperatures to trigger growth for spring flowering. Planting in spring won’t work because they won’t get the necessary cold period.
  • Timing Tips: Plant bulbs as soon as possible after purchase. Early planting helps bulbs establish strong roots before winter frosts. Proper root development ensures bulbs enter winter ready for a successful spring bloom.


How Do I Plant Fall Bulbs?

  • Planting Depth: General rule: plant bulbs at a depth three times their height. Example: daffodil bulbs 2–2½ inches high → plant 6–8 inches deep. Adjust for mulch if adding on top.
  • Grouping for Best Display: Most fall-planted bulbs produce one flower per bulb. Plant larger bulbs (tulips, daffodils) in groups of at least 10. Plant smaller bulbs (crocus) in groups of 25 or more.
  • Planting Method: Dig the entire planting area instead of individual holes. Dig as deep as needed for the largest bulbs. For smaller bulbs in the same area, create small soil mounds to bring them to proper depth.
  • Placement & Soil: Place bulbs with pointed end up and flat end down. Add bulb food before refilling soil. Mix soil with organic matter (e.g., Soil Pep) when refilling.

How To Prevent Rodent Damage

  • Spray for Protection: Apply Ropel Bulb Protectant to bulbs before covering with soil to deter rodents.

  • Install Chicken Wire:

    • Cut a piece of chicken wire 3 inches larger on each side than the bulb bed.
    • Bend the edges to create a shallow box-top shape.
    • Place the chicken wire on top of the newly planted bulbs.
    • Push the 3-inch edges into the soil to hold it in place.
    • Add Mulch: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch over the bed.
  • Benefits of mulch: Hides the chicken wire. Insulates bulbs. Gives beds a finished look
  • Spring Removal: When bulb foliage begins to emerge in spring, remove the chicken wire so plants can grow freely.

Why Don’t My Tulips Come Back Year After Year? 

In our climate, many tulips do come back for several years, but some varieties only last a year or two. To keep your display fresh and vibrant, it’s a good idea to plant a few bulbs each fall.

Species tulips and Darwin Hybrids are more reliably perennial than other types. Among Darwin Hybrids, the darker-hued varieties tend to perform better than pastel ones.

To encourage tulips to return year after year:

  • Plant them in an area with good drainage.
  • Plant deep, about 8 inches from the bottom of the bulb to the soil surface.
  • Fertilize in the fall and spring using liquid Save-A-Tree or granular Hi Yield Bulb Food.
  • After blooming, remove spent flowers but allow the foliage to die back naturally. This helps the bulbs store energy for next year’s blooms.

How Should I Store My Bulbs Until I Am Ready to Plant Them?

If you can’t plant your bulbs right away:

  • Store them in a cool, dry place, such as a garage or basement.
  • Avoid warmth and moisture, which can signal bulbs to start growing prematurely.
  • Check occasionally to make sure they aren’t becoming moldy or soft.
  • Plant them as soon as possible to ensure healthy growth.

What Should I Do With the Foliage after the Blooms Have Faded in the Spring?

  • Caring for Foliage on Perennial Bulbs: Leave foliage intact until it begins to turn brown, often about eight weeks after flowering. The leaves produce food through photosynthesis, helping the bulb store energy for next year’s blooms, so do not cut them back early. It’s okay to remove spent flowers, but leave the stem intact.

  • Tip for appearance: Camouflage fading foliage by over-planting bulbs with cool-season annuals (like pansies) or other perennials. These plants will emerge and gain height just as the bulb foliage starts to look unsightly, keeping your garden attractive.

When Can I Transplant Daffodils?

Early summer is an ideal time to transplant daffodils that need to be moved. Because the foliage is still visible, you’ll have no trouble locating them in the ground. Keep the leaves green as long as possible so the bulb can recharge for next year’s blooms. For best results, wait until the foliage fades before transplanting. When you do move them, take care not to damage the bulbs.

Are there any Deer Resistant Spring Flowering Bulbs?

Believe it or not there are a few plants that deer tend to pass by. Daffodils, allium, crocus, chinodoxa, scilla, grape hyacinths and snow drops are all supposed to be deer resistant. But if deer get hungry enough, they’ll eat anything.

Any Other Recommendations Besides Standard Tulips and Daffodils?

Tulips and daffodils are popular for a reason…they are great performers! But there are many other fall planted bulbs that perform very well here in east Idaho. One is the Giant Allium. This striking member of the onion family has large, ball-shaped blooms comprised of purple star-shaped florets. Because of their flower size (5”), and height (4’) Giant Allium is a real head-turner.

What bulbs are good for forcing to enjoy indoors?

The easiest spring flowering bulbs for forcing are amaryllis, paperwhites, hyacinths, muscari and large flowering crocus. Other bulbs that can be forced but may require a little more attention are tulips, and miniature daffodils.

If you have any other questions about fall bulb planting or need help choosing the right varieties for your garden, feel free to stop by the store. Our gardening experts are always happy to help you find what works best for your soil, sun conditions, and design goals. Sometimes a quick chat in person can make all the difference in planning a beautiful spring display.