Springtime in Massachusetts is a time for growth after a cold and grey winter. By planting spring flowering bulbs, you can add to the excitement of spring’s arrival by adding color to your landscape.
But when is the best time to plant spring bulbs in Massachusetts to ensure your spring color pops at the right time? Usually, Massachusetts residents can plant spring flowering bulbs around 6-8 weeks before the soil freezes in mid-October.
Read on to learn more about spring flowering bulbs to plant in Massachusetts, including the Needham, Concord, Danvers, and Cape Cod areas.
How to Plant Flower Bulbs
While figuring out how to plant flower bulbs can be challenging, flowering bulbs are some of the easiest to grow. Here are some general rules for planting bulbs:
- Determine where you want to plant your bulbs and make sure the soil is nice and loose; add organic matter if necessary. Make sure your planting spot also has well-drained soil. You can contact your local arborist for a soil test or recommendations for a soil remediation.
- Different bulbs have different requirements, so read about planting depth and planting area prep for each type. The general rule is to plant spring bulbs 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall.
- Dig a hole in the ground to the right depth and then gently place the bulb in the ground with the roots down and the tip up.
- Cover with soil.
- Add 2 inches of mulch on top of the ground to keep the soil warm and retain moisture for the bulbs to grow.
- Water deeply after planting. Water again before the ground freezes.
- Protective fencing can help keep animals like squirrels, chipmunks, and moles from digging up planted bulbs during the winter.
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Planting Bulbs
As with any home gardening project, mistakes can happen while planting. Make sure to avoid these common mistakes when planting bulbs for spring flowers:
- Planting too deep or too shallow into the soil – Roots will either not gain enough water, nutrients, and soil to anchor themselves if planted too shallow or suffocate if planted too deep.
- Planting too late into the fall – Bulbs can’t establish roots fast enough before the ground freezes if planted too late in the season.
- Planting the flower upside down – Planting with the pointed end face-up ensures that its roots will grow in the right direction.
When Is It Too Late To Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs in Massachusetts
Once mid-November hits, you will likely miss your window of opportunity to plant early spring flowering bulbs before the ground freezes. If planted too late, there is a strong chance that your bulbs won’t be able to establish roots and survive the winter weather.
If you want to plant in the spring, be aware that most bulbs planted in the spring are Southern species that are too fragile to handle harsh Northern winters. Typically, they will bloom in the summer because they don’t have enough growing time to bloom in the spring unless they’re started in a greenhouse and moved outside after the ground thaws.
Our Picks For The Best Spring Bulbs In Massachusetts
There is a large variety of spring flowering bulbs to plant! If you need a place to start, here are our recommendations:
- Snowdrops – Among the earliest spring bulbs to bloom, snowdrops are characterized by small white drooping bell-shaped flowers.
- Bloom time frame: Early March
- Growth height: 4-6 inches
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Crocuses – Crocuses will often open when snow is still on the ground. They bear large white, yellow, orange, or purple flowers.
- Bloom time frame: Late March
- Growth height: 6 inches
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Daffodils – Known for their bright yellow petals and trumpet-like flowers, daffodils are an extremely popular spring flower.
- Bloom time frame: April
- Growth height: 12 inches
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Tulips – Large, brightly colored tulips are another popular spring flower option that is available in red, orange, pink, yellow, and white varieties.
- Bloom time frame: May
- Growth height: 18-24 inches
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hyacinth – Known for their fragrant columns of flowers, hyacinths can provide a unique look to your landscape.
- Bloom time frame: April
- Growth height: 6-18 inches
- Sun exposure: Full sun
At Hartney Greymont, we have local arborists throughout Massachusetts located in Needham, Concord, Danvers, Cape Cod, and the surrounding areas to help you create an eye-catching spring landscape.
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