Planting flower bulbs is a time-consuming job. There is still so much to do in the garden, especially in autumn. The small tubers can quickly be forgotten. Can they be set late or are they perhaps no longer usable?
Optimal time frame for spring bloomers
There is no specific date in the garden calendar for planting flower bulbs. We are much more free to decide when we take action within a generous time frame. When it comes to spring bloomers, the time span is particularly long:
- set from mid-September to the end of December
- The main thing is that the ground isn't frozen
- Alternatively, planting in spring is possible
Forgotten spring bloomers
It is of course possible to forget the planned autumn date. Then you should look for an alternative planting date within the time frame. This should be as early as possible so that the onions can root.
If it is already winter and the ground is frozen, you will have to wait before planting outdoors. Store the flower bulbs in a cool, dark and dry place so that there is no major loss of quality or the bulbs become completely unusable. From February you can plant again in frost-free soil.
Flower bulbs already sprouted
If flower bulbs are forgotten and stored at mild temperatures, they can quickly sprout. It is problematic to plant them outside. Even if there is an alternative planting date. Because the leaves of the onion family are not as hardy as the onion itself.
- plant in pots or balcony boxes
- then spend the winter in the winter quarters
- Protect outdoor plantings with covers
You can also plant sprouted flower bulbs in jars or pots and use them as winter floral decorations for living rooms. Assuming they have already had a cold spell.
Tip
It is also a good idea to cover large flower bulbs with wax. This makes them even more attractive as decoration.
Forgotten summer bloomers
Summer bloomers are either grown indoors from February or planted outdoors from mid-May. They then only have a comparatively short growing season to sprout and bloom. You should therefore plant forgotten flower bulbs immediately.
If the planting was done very late, flower buds can be cut off so that the collected strength flows into strengthening the onion. This means a year without flowers, but the following year can start with lots of energy.
