1. Inspect Your Bulbs Before Planting Them
Bulbs that have been forgotten and stored in their original packaging may be prone to mold if they have been exposed to damp and warm conditions. Before planting, it’s crucial to check the bulbs to ensure they are in good condition and haven’t turned mushy.
Autumn Hilliard-Knapp of Perfect Plants Nursery recommends feeling the bulbs to ensure firmness and discarding any that feel mushy, as moldy bulbs are unlikely to flower successfully.
To prevent mold and preserve bulb quality, it’s ideal to store bulbs in a dry, dark, and cool environment, avoiding plastic packaging. Consider using paper bags, cardboard, or wooden boxes for proper bulb storage.
2. Make Sure The Soil Is Suitable
Planting bulbs is achievable as long as the ground is workable, according to gardening expert Petar Ivanov of Fantastic Gardeners. However, in colder climates, the ground may be frozen or too wet in January, making it challenging to plant bulbs directly in the garden.
If the soil conditions in your garden are not suitable, an alternative is to plant bulbs in containers. To enhance drainage, add a few handfuls of grit to the potting mixture. Elevate the containers using pot feet, and place them in a sheltered location, such as on a porch or next to a wall, to protect them from adverse weather conditions.
An additional tip is to ensure well-draining soil for bulbs. Anna Ohler, the owner of Bright Lane Gardens nursery, suggests improving drainage by incorporating lighter-weight materials like peat moss or coco coir into the soil.
3. Protect Them From The Cold
Spring bulbs, including daffodils, tulips, and crocuses, are hardy and can be successfully planted in colder climates, according to Anna. However, offering them a bit of protection during midwinter planting can be beneficial.
If there’s a forecast of temperatures dropping below freezing after planting, Anna suggests covering the flower beds with a layer of mulch or straw to provide insulation.
For bulbs planted in pots, protection from winter cold can be achieved by wrapping the containers with materials such as burlap, frost cloth, or bubble wrap. This extra layer helps shield the bulbs from the harsh winter conditions.
CAN YOU PLANT SNOWDROPS IN JANUARY?
Growing snowdrops from bulbs can be a bit challenging, especially if they’ve been stored until January. In such cases, the bulbs may have dried out and might no longer be viable for planting. Instead, it’s recommended to wait for another month or so and then consider planting snowdrops “in the green,” meaning with established leaves, which you can obtain from local nurseries. Planting them in this manner increases the chances of successful growth, and they should return year after year, provided they are protected from squirrels.
Jen McDonald notes that some bulbs planted later may not bloom immediately, resulting in foliage without flowers. However, she encourages taking the chance and planting them, emphasizing that the bulbs won’t bloom if left in storage. If there are gaps in your bulb display, consider filling them with flowering bulbs purchased from a local nursery when spring arrives. Additionally, bulbs planted in the ground, such as daffodils and crocuses, are likely to bloom successfully next year, even if the results are somewhat disappointing in the current season.
