September is a great time to add some hardy bulbs to your garden for some early spring color. Hardy bulbs include things like tulips, daffodils, crocus, squills, hycinths and alliums, just to name a few. These bulbs can be planted in mid- to late-September for blooms between March and July.

Ideally they should be in the ground four to six weeks before the ground freezes, so the second half of September through mid-October is a good time frame for Colorado Springs.

It’s best to purchase your bulbs early in the fall, when the selection is the best. Size matters – bigger bulbs produce bigger flowers, so look for larger bulbs with no blemishes or soft spots. You will pay more for bigger bulbs, but you will be thankful when you notice the large flowers.

Bulbs are best planted in drifts or clumps. Except for very large species, like Star of Persia allium, try to avoid planting single bulbs. Groups of at least five will be more aesthetically pleasing. Be sure to include some small, very early species like crocus or squill – they are wonderful harbingers of spring when they pop up, often surrounded by melting snow. Later in the season, tulips and daffodils will brighten your garden as your perennials just begin to emerge (and long before you can plant annuals).

Annual or Perennials?

Most of the bulbs listed above will act like perennials in the garden, if they are well cared for they will last many years. It may be necessary to lift them every three to five years and divide the bulbs to maintain vigor. Tulips are the exception, and most are best treated as annuals. They gradually lose vigor and will be reduced to a single leaf with no bloom if left in the ground more than a couple years. However, with proper care many tulips can be maintained over many years. The sidebar lists some of the recommended species if you want your tulips to act more like perennials. If not, plan to dig up your tulips by the end of the second year at least, preferably every year. Many people dig them up and plant annuals in their place.

Site SelectionThe best site is a place that’s sunny in the spring, with well-drained soil. The bulbs should be planted at a depth four times the height of the bulb. A high phosphorous fertilizer (0-46-0 is best) should be applied to the soil before the bulb is placed in the bed, tip side up. If you have a lot of squirrel or vole activity consider using some chicken wire to create a “cage” to discourage them. If needed, water until the ground freezes. Be careful not to create soggy conditions as the bulbs could rot. Once cold weather sets in you might mulch the planting area to mitigate potentially damaging freeze-thaw cycles.

Once the planting is done you just need to sit back and wait for those brave little flowers to pop through the melting snow. It’s magic!

When you have questions, CSU Extension has research-based answers. Get answers to your horticultural questions by calling the Master Gardener Volunteer Help Desk at 520-7684 9-noon, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday or online at https://ask.extension.org.

CSU Extension is located at 17 North Spruce, second floor Room 220.