HOW TO PLANT PRE-CHILLED BULBS
DECEMBER 16, 2024December is the perfect time for planting pre-chilled bulbs in Houston + similar climates. Here’s some quick tips for planting and storage
Pre chilled bulbs add so much delight to the spring garden
Plant December - Early January!
Pre-chilled bulbs can be planted anytime in December and the first week of January. If you have space in your garden - plant your pre chilled bulbs as soon as you receive them!
If you went a little overboard and have more bulbs than you know what to do with, try succession planting - plant half now, and the remaining half in 2-3 weeks!
Storing Bulbs:
If you’re not planting your prechilled bulbs in the next 2-3 days, you’ll want to return them to a chilled temperature.
Bulbs need to be kept below 40 degrees - but not freezing. They also need to stay away from ethylene producing foods like apples.
I recommend a crisper drawer just for bulbs, with nothing else in it!
The what’s what on planting bulbs:
Which way do I plant them?
Plant bulbs pointy side up.
Where do I plant them?
Bulbs should be planted in well draining soil with 6+ hours of sunlight. Raised beds, amended in-ground beds, and large pots are all great options!
How should I plant them?
Bulbs should be about 4” deep. If you’re planting in a raised bed or garden, dig down 4” and place bulbs on the exposed soil. Replace any removed soil and wait! If you’re planting in a pot, fill the pot with soil but stop 4-5” from the rim. Place your bulbs on the soil, and cover them so they are 4” deep!
Make sure you mark their planting location so you don’t forget they’re there! Tiny green tips should emerge in 6-10 weeks!
WANT EVEN MORE DETAIL?
I’ve got a course for that!
The Autumn Grow Along is a six-month immersive experience that gives you everything you need to know from September-February in your Houston garden, including: fall planted ranunculus + anemones, winter planted bulbs, chemical-free tending, and more!