Autumn is the best time to plant many types of flower bulbs. This planting time is certainly justified, even though flowering only follows months later. Of course, some rules must be followed when planting in autumn. The approaching winter also needs to be kept in mind.
When and how do you plant flower bulbs in autumn?
Autumn is the ideal planting time for hardy spring bloomers. Choose bulbs that are plump, dry, and free of mold. Plant these in small tuffs in sunny locations with loose soil. Maintain a planting distance of one bulb width and a planting depth of two bulb lengths. Protect potted plants from frost.
Planting spring bloomers in autumn
In autumn the summer flowers have disappeared from the beds. There is plenty of free space for flower bulbs. These are the spring bloomers that are being planted now. It is thanks to their hardiness that they are allowed into the ground before winter. Summer-flowering onion plants, on the other hand, cannot tolerate frost.
Autumn is an ideal planting time for two reasons: It is still warm enough for the flower bulbs to take root. And it's cold enough to keep them from sprouting. At least most of the time. Otherwise, the planting date will be postponed until the end of the season.
Choosing flower bulbs
Flower bulbs that are planted in autumn have a long time to go before they sprout and bloom. They have to survive a lot of cold and wet conditions. This only works if they are placed in the ground in perfect condition. Therefore, buy onions that you can examine well. An ideal onion is:
- plump, no soft spots
- dry
- free from mold
Tip
The flower bulbs shouldn't have sprouted yet either. Because above the ground the fresh green is not as frost-resistant as the flower bulb in the ground is.
Plant in the garden
If you have your own garden, you prefer to plant flower bulbs in flower beds. So that the individual flower bulb varieties are shown to their best advantage, they are planted in small tuffs made up of several bulbs. You can also plant flower bulbs in the lawn. Some varieties then reproduce diligently and become wild.
When planting, pay attention to a sunny location and loose soil. Planting distances of one bulb width and a planting depth of two bulb lengths are ideal.
Pot planting
The splendor of onion flowers can be conjured up even without a garden. Because planting in pots is a tried and tested way to bring spring to the balcony. The lasagna method, in which several layers of flower bulbs are planted, results in particularly rich flowers.
However, in pots and balcony cheeses, frost is a major threat to the flower bulbs. They must be protected with plenty of fleece. It's even better if they overwinter in the basement at 0 to 8 degrees Celsius.
