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Bulb Planting Guide
| Bulb Type | Planting Season | Blooming Months |
|---|---|---|
| Allium | Fall | May-Jun |
| Amaryllis | Winter | Dec-Apr |
| Dahlias | Spring | Jul-Sep |
| Cannas | Spring | Jun-Aug |
| Chionoxa | Fall | Mar-May |
| Crocus | Fall | Mar-Apr |
| Lilies | Spring | Jun-Jul |
| Snowdrops | Fall | Mar-Apr |
| Globe Thistle | Spring | Jun-Aug |
| Hardy Hosta | Spring | Jun-Jul |
| Hyacinths | Fall | Mar-Apr |
| Iris | Fall | Apr-Jul |
| Daffodils | Fall | Mar-Apr |
| Ranunculus | Fall | Mar-May |
| Tulip | Fall | Mar-May |
| Elephant Ear | Spring | Jun-Sep |
Bulb Type | Planting Season | Blooming Month |
Allium | Fall | May-Jun |
Amaryllis | Winter | Dec-Apr |
Cannas | Spring | Jun-Aug |
Chionoxa | Fall | Mar-May |
Crocus | Fall | Mar-Apr |
Daffodils | Fall | Mar-Apr |
Dahlias | Spring | Jul-Sep |
Elephant Ear | Spring | Jun-Sep |
Globe Thistle | Spring | Jun-Aug |
Hardy Hosta | Spring | Jun-Jul |
Hyacinths | Fall | Mar-Apr |
Iris | Fall | Apr-Jul |
Lilies | Spring | Jun-Jul |
Narcissus | Fall | Mar-May |
Ranunculus | Fall | Mar-May |
Snowdrops | Fall | Mar-Apr |
Tulip | Fall | Mar-May |
Bulb FAQs
When should I plant spring-flowering bulbs in the Lehigh Valley?
Plant spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and alliums in the fall — typically between mid-September and mid-November in the Emmaus, PA area. Bulbs need to be in the ground before a hard freeze, but soil temperatures should be below 50°F for best root development. Aim for at least 6 weeks before the ground freezes solid.
When should I plant summer-flowering bulbs in Pennsylvania?
Summer-blooming bulbs like dahlias, gladiolus, canna lilies, and caladiums should be planted after the last frost date, which is typically around mid-April to early May in the Lehigh Valley. Soil temperature should be at least 60°F. These bulbs are not frost-hardy and will rot if planted too early in cold, wet soil.
Do I need to dig up my bulbs every year?
It depends on the bulb type. Hardy bulbs — such as daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths — can stay in the ground year-round in our Zone 6b climate here in Eastern Pennsylvania. Tender bulbs like dahlias, gladiolus, and cannas cannot survive our winters and must be dug up after the first frost, stored indoors in a cool, dry place, and replanted in spring.
How deep should I plant bulbs?
A general rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth approximately two to three times their diameter. For example, large tulip and daffodil bulbs are typically planted 6–8 inches deep, while smaller bulbs like crocus and snowdrops go 3–4 inches deep. Planting at the right depth protects bulbs from temperature extremes and helps them establish strong roots.
Why didn't my tulips or daffodils come back this year?
Several factors can prevent bulbs from returning. Tulips in particular tend to decline after a few years in our area — they prefer colder, drier summers than the Lehigh Valley typically provides. Daffodils, on the other hand, naturalize very reliably. Common culprits for poor returns include cutting foliage back too early (the leaves fuel next year’s bloom), overcrowded bulbs, waterlogged soil, or squirrel and vole damage. If you’re not getting reliable returns from tulips, consider treating them as annuals or switching to daffodils, alliums, or species tulips, which perform more consistently in Pennsylvania.
What can I do to keep squirrels and deer from digging up or eating my bulbs?
This is one of the most common concerns for Lehigh Valley gardeners! Squirrels love tulip bulbs, while deer will browse on tulip and crocus foliage and flowers. The best defenses include: planting daffodils, alliums, and fritillaria, which are naturally deer- and squirrel-resistant; covering freshly planted beds with chicken wire or hardware cloth; applying repellent sprays; or placing a layer of sharp gravel in the planting hole. Planting bulbs deeper than squirrels typically dig can also help.
Can I plant bulbs in containers, and how do I care for them over winter?
Absolutely — bulbs do beautifully in containers and make a great option for patios and entryways. For spring bloomers, plant them in fall just as you would in the ground. In our Pennsylvania winters, container-planted bulbs are more vulnerable to freeze damage since their roots aren’t insulated by the earth. Move pots to an unheated garage, shed, or basement where temperatures stay above 20°F but remain cold enough to maintain dormancy. Water sparingly through winter and bring them back out in early spring when shoots appear.