When can i start to plant bulbs?

Question

I live in Nevada. it is getting a little fall-like here. And if it is too early; how do i store the bulbs so they don't dry out?

Answer 1

Just stick 'em in the ground already.

Answer 2

In the fall....

Planting

These planting instructions will give you general information on when and how to plant your bulbs and how to take good care of them. Most bulbs need an open planting site where they receive at least 4 hours of sunlight (not sunshine) a day. Bulbs that are too much in the shade will only grow leaves. Some species however do well in half or even full shade.

Cultivation of soil
In their native habitats bulbs used to grow on slopes where drainage was naturally good. Therefore the vast majority of bulbs need well-drained soil or they will rot. Drainage and moisture conditions in your garden can always be improved. If there is any doubt about the drainage, plant bulbs in raised beds or mix sharp sand or grit with the soil in the planting area. There are a few bulbs that will grow well in moist areas; our wizards will find them for you if needed.
Always cultivate garden soil before planting anything. This makes planting so much easier and helps the bulbs’ new roots to get off to a good start. Bulbs that are left in the ground for next year’s season prefer some organic material or compost mixed with the planting soil. When your bulbs have been planted, water the soil well.

Planting distance
The best planting distance depends on the size of the flower and on the effect that you want to achieve. For a more natural look the bulbs should be planted further apart than indicated on the product page. In containers the bulbs should be planted close together, but they should never touch.

Planting depth
The depth of the planting hole will depend upon the size of the bulb. As a general rule you should make the planting hole two to three times the height of the bulb. Be sure to plant the bulbs the right way: the root system down and the pointed part up.

Answer 3

I would wait until mid-October, maybe even late. We planted ours on a cool, damp day four years ago, and have had nothing but great flowers every spring. We didn't put anything around them, just dug small holes about 6 inches deep, put the bulbs in and covered.

You want to wait until the ground is cool, and that your hot weather is behind you. Being in Nevada, I'm not exactly sure when your cool season starts, but you certainly will want the ground cold before you plant. Still, right now is way too early, even here in the Northeast, for planting bulbs.

Answer 4

October is a good month to plant bulbs. But in Nevada they can be planted now. Just plant deep enough so that they dont come up too soon. Check planting depth for the type of bulbs you are planting. Six inches or so for most bulbs is probably enough.

Answer 5

I don't know how the weather is in Nevada right now, but I am going to explain through my personal experience with bulbs. Usually, the bulbs are planted in mid-October but not necessarily (e.g. last year I planted mine around the 20th of September but this year it is still summer time here so I'm going to be a bit late). If the weather is getting colder and you also get some rain every now and then it is time you planted them and they shall be fine. But if it already started raining and it is cold, they might not grow. So I say plant them now, as it is the best time of year... Best of luck!!!

Answer 6

you need to wait until the soil cools and measures around 50-60 degrees F. Take a thermometer and measure the soil temp about 4 or 5 inches below the surface. Planting when warmer will cause the bulbs to grow and the plants will be up when it freezes.

If you need to store the bulbs, or chill if you do not get enough cold time put the bulbs into the bottom drawer of your refrigerator for several weeks, but understand that should youplant the bulbs after refrigeration, they are going to sprout if the soil temp is greater than the refrigerator temp.

Answer 7

you can plant them now because it should be fine, even if it is very early spring you can still plant them, but it is a risk. to store them just stick them in a cold place, or stick them in a cup with some soil. but dont leave it for when the trees get bare, the end of october is the latest i would leave it to. make sure that you have the bulb underneath the ground far enough, atleast 6 inches so the plant doesnt come up too soon

Answer 8

I would wait till October. Fall is the best time to plant bulbs. Call your local nursery and ask them what the best time is for your area. I live in Michigan which is much colder than Nevada and I always plant them after the first frost.

You need to store your bulbs in a brown paper bag in a cool, dark, dry place. They won't dry out if you keep them in the bag. Your garage or basement is the best place.

Answer 9

Spring bulbs should be planted in the fall so I would go ahead and plant them.. If you want to keep a little linger in the house then store them in a cool dry place like a basement. If you don't have abasement I would store them in a dark closet covered with sherdded newspaper.

Answer 10

Nevada is a big place and it depends on where you are. Your best bet is to talk with a garden shop or with some of the folks in a local club that enjoys flowers. I found some links with some info but I think you may want more than this.

I'ld love to see your garden next spring. It sounds like it's gonna be a doozy. I don't think I can grow those things here in Phoenix.

Answer 11

I would give it a little time yet since it has not cooled down allot. My daughter told me Colorado got some snow the other day but did not stay. When the high temps stay at least 55 then go for it. Plant them in secession. And by that I mean do some one week, then wait two weeks and go again. If you still have more extend it till the ground gets frosted into the first layer. This will give you an extended bloom period come spring time. As some will be going out others will be coming up and blooming. Happy Planting. This of course is for tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus. You can also put in iris at this time too.