Bulbs

Updated on May 07, 2010
S.H. asks from Dacono, CO
11 answers

Hi moms. I planted some bulbs about 3 weeks ago. Some of them were already growing when I planted them. This is my first time planting bulbs. I LOVE them and really hope they grow. Has anyone had experiences with them? Will they grow this year or do they need the deep freeze first? I know most bulbs come up this time of the year, but am disheartened that mine haven't come up yet. I really want flowers in the flower bed, but am a little impatient I guess. Should I plant other flowers or wait until next year and see if they come up? I don't want to ruin them if they are stil alive by planting something else!!

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So What Happened?

WOW! Thanks for all the input. I planted Calla, Begonia and Gladiolus. I'm guessing that they are the summer bulbs since I was able to buy them so hopefully they will still come up! This has prompted me to look them up and find out what to expect. I guess I tend to plant based on what I like to look at and not plan the flower beds!

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J.D.

answers from Denver on

There are spring bulbs (like Iris and lillies) -- which are probably the ones you planted. Those usually come up mid-summer. I planted some in April, and they haven't come up yet. They probably will in June or July.

There are fall bulbs (like tulips and daffodils), but those aren't sold in the spring. They're only sold in the fall, so those probably aren't the ones you planted.

Just be patient. They'll grow when it's the proper time.

2 moms found this helpful

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K.Z.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi S.,

I am guessing that you won't get flowers from anything that wasn't already blooming--not until next year, though you might get some foliage. BUT I could be wrong!

I believe there is a summer-blooming crocus (or at least that is what it looks like), you could plant some of those and you might get some flowers .

I think it will take longer than 3 weeks, especially if it has been cold. In Ohio we have the agricultural extension offices (one per county), and there is usually someone who is knowlegeable about flowers and gardening questions. You could give them a call if you have such a thing, or ask the folks at your local plant nursery.

You can plant some annuals in places where you didn't put the bulbs (or in containers), this will give you some nice color right now.

Have fun, I love my flowers and veggie garden!!

K. Z.

2 moms found this helpful

V.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

Don't know about what you planted this year. But, for future reference... most, if not all, bulbs require a certain amount of colder temperatures in order to bloom. I live in the deep south. If I want ANY of my bulbs to come up and bloom, I am supposed to dig them up each fall and refrigerate them for a few weeks before replanting them (or do this with "new" bulbs), because we don't typically get cold enough winters for the bulbs to naturally receive the temps they need. Somehow, after the cold temps, then being exposed to the warmer temps is what prompts them to grow and bloom. So if they don't get the cold temps, they don't recognize that it is NOW time to bloom. So, depending on where you got the bulbs, if they weren't chilled for an appropriate amount of time first, then you may not get flowers this year. But next year you might very well.

Also, what kind are they? Different bulbs need to be planted at different depths in the soil. Reading the packaging usually will provide you with excellent information on how to plant and what your bulbs need to bloom.

good luck and don't be discouraged. There is always next year. Nobody starts out with the perfect flower bed... the really pretty nice ones take several years of trial and error and nurturing care. :)

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C.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

i too am impatient. I'm in utah and just put 3 little ones in the ground... about a week ago.. I think you just have to be REALLY patient.. most things are pretty hearty.. and not too sensitive to conditions.. but I always look up the species online to see how/where/what to use in planting it...
were they tulips or something else?

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L.S.

answers from Grand Junction on

Hi S.,
The Spring bulbs are what I assume you are referring to and unfortunately they need to be planted in the fall of the year to give you a fresh array of spring time flowers the following spring. A few might decide to pop up for you but I wouldn't count on much this year. You can however plant some annuals from a local nursery this time of year and they should produce continual blooms throughout the spring and summer. Depending on your climate in Dacono some of your annuals might survive to surprise you again next spring as well. Happy Gardening, L.

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D.B.

answers from Provo on

Usually bulbs are planted in the fall, like the other posts mention. They won't die if you dig them up and want to plant something else for now and then replant them this fall. Just keep them in a paper bag in a cool place. You can even keep them in the back of your fridge until you want to plant them. Also, when they're not in bloom they really don't take up much room. So you can even leave them in the ground and plant stuff around them. This is a great idea especially for spring bulbs, like tulips, that only bloom for a little while, so that your bed isn't barren all summer. If in doubt I would call your local county extension offices (you can search for it online, and they are usually run by the agricultural university in your state). They will know everything about everything and help you know what to do. Good luck! and I hope you get a beautiful garden!! :) The one thing that can be hard about a garden is waiting for everything to grow. ;)

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C.E.

answers from Provo on

just a couple suggestions for early bloomers. i'm in utah so i don't know how similar our plant growth is to where you are, but one flower plant i was pleasantly surprised with this spring is Primrose. they are short, but they are perennial and multiply every year. mine were blooming in the snow by the 3rd week in march and are still looking fantastic! they come in several colors. they also don't need a lot of direct sunlight so they brighten up a shady spot. another favorite of mine is sedum. there are many kinds. they are also short, but are colorful all year long and change color depending on the sun and heat. also they hold up to some foot traffic. i have several kinds planted around the tree my kids like to climb. good luck with your garden! i hope you find something you can enjoy now!

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C.M.

answers from Denver on

it depends on what kinds of bulbs you planted. Some are planted in the fall (daffodils, tulips, etc) and so those won't bloom this year. They will probably bloom next spring. There are bulbs that are planted in the spring, but those aren't blooming at this point. So if you really want some flowers now, plant some seedlings - It's generally safe to plant after Mother's Day.

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J.K.

answers from Mansfield on

You didn't say what kind of bulbs you planted, tulip, daffodil, summer blooming bulbs like lilies, iris, etc. That would help answer alot of your questions. I would not replant more of the same, give them time. They may not come up until next year especially depending on what you planted. If you are impatient about wanting color and waiting for your plants and bulbs to fully grow and fill in (I am) plant pretty annuals this year. It will take time before your flowers are fully established.
Hope this helps :)

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M.S.

answers from Boise on

Most likely your bulbs will bloom next year. Usually you plant bulbs in the fall so you can have spring flowers. I would get some other flowers that will bloom in the late Spring/Summer so that you can have flowers all season long and have a different array.

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K.G.

answers from Fort Wayne on

If they are spring bulbs you'll see them next year. If summer/fall you'll see them later when they come for season. Typically you plant spring flowers in fall and summer in spring after frost is done. Don't worry too much they will grow when ready. Be sure to fertilize in fall before frost to give them nutrients for winter months gl

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