Planting Bulbs in Spring: A Guide for Canadian Gardeners

Planting Bulbs in Spring: A Guide for Canadian Gardeners

While fall is the best time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils, spring is perfect for planting summer and fall-blooming bulbs. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Best Bulbs to Plant in Spring (For Summer & Fall Blooms)

These bulbs thrive when planted in spring, after the last frost:

• Dahlias – Beautiful blooms from mid-summer to fall.
• Gladiolus – Great for cut flowers; plant in succession for continuous blooms.
• Lilies (Asiatic & Oriental) – Hardy and fragrant flowers that bloom mid-summer.
• Begonias – Perfect for shaded gardens and containers.
• Canna Lilies – Tropical-looking flowers that love heat.
• Calla Lilies – Elegant flowers ideal for borders and pots.
• Elephant Ears (Colocasia & Alocasia) – Large, dramatic foliage for gardens and containers.

2. When to Plant Bulbs in Spring

• Wait until the risk of frost has passed and soil temperature is consistently above 10°C (50°F).
• In warmer regions (Southern Ontario, BC, Maritimes) – plant bulbs as early as April-May.
• In colder regions (Prairies, Northern Canada) – wait until late May-June.

3. How to Plant Bulbs in Spring

✅ Choose a sunny location (most bulbs need 6+ hours of sunlight).
✅ Prepare the soil – Loosen the soil and mix in compost for nutrients.
✅ Plant at the right depth –

• Large bulbs (e.g., lilies, dahlias): 6-8 inches deep
• Small bulbs (e.g., gladiolus, begonias): 2-4 inches deep
  ✅ Water well after planting to help bulbs establish.
  ✅ Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

4. Caring for Spring-Planted Bulbs

💧 Water regularly, especially in dry periods.
🌱 Fertilize with a balanced bulb fertilizer every few weeks.
🌿 Stake tall flowers like gladiolus and dahlias to prevent bending.
❄️ Dig up tender bulbs (like dahlias and cannas) in fall if you live in colder zones and store them for next year.