Flower Bulbs for Sale from Spring Hill Nurseries
Flower bulbs are nature's little miracles, with underground storage organs that contain a plant's entire life cycle in a dormant state. Gardeners love to buy flower bulbs because they offer high-impact color for very little effort and are often the very first sign of life in the spring garden. From the classic cup-shape of a tulip to the dramatic flair of a dahlia, our selection of flower bulbs provides a foundation for a vibrant, year-round landscape.
Planting and Growing Flower Bulbs
The secret to a successful bulb garden is planning ahead. Because bulbs carry their own food source, they are incredibly easy to grow as long as they are tucked into the ground at the right time. Whether you are planting in the crisp autumn air or the warming spring soil, these dormant beauties are ready to transform your garden beds and containers.
Where to Grow Flower Bulbs
- Bulbs can be grown across zones 3 – 10. Find your hardiness zone.
- Most varieties prefer full sun to reach their full blooming potential.
- Well-draining spots are mandatory. Bulbs hate "wet feet," and loose, porous soil is essential to prevent bulb rot.
Tip: Use the "Rule of Three" when planting. Dig your hole three times as deep as the bulb is tall. This ensures they are protected from temperature fluctuations and have plenty of support for their stems.
When to Plant Flower Bulbs
- Spring-Blooming Bulbs: Plant Tulips, Daffodils, and Hyacinths in the fall before the ground freezes.
- Summer-Blooming Bulbs: Plant Dahlias, Cannas, and Gladiolus in the spring once the danger of frost has passed.
Flower Bulb Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Water well immediately after planting to settle the soil. Once established, they typically only need supplemental water during extended dry spells while they are actively growing.
- Fertilizing: Use a specialized bulb fertilizer or Bone Meal at the time of planting and again when the first green shoots emerge in the spring.
- Pruning: After the flowers fade, never cut back the green foliage. Let it die back naturally and turn yellow; this allows the plant to "recharge" the bulb with energy for next year's bloom.
Pest Tip: If squirrels are a nuisance, try planting your tulips alongside "unpalatable" bulbs like Alliums or Daffodils, which critters tend to avoid.
Which Bulbs Will Come Back Every Year?
Many varieties, known as "perennializing" bulbs, will return and even multiply year after year. Daffodils and Crocus are famous for their reliability, while other flower bulbs, such as certain hybrid Tulips, may be treated as annuals or decline after their first spectacular season.
