Top 10 Questions About Planting Bulbs

Planting bulbs is one of the easiest ways to add vibrant, long-lasting color to your landscape—if you do it right. At North Haven Gardens, we get lots of questions every season about bulb planting in Texas, especially with our region’s unique climate and soil. Here's a quick guide to the top 10 questions we hear most often, and our expert answers to help you succeed.

1. When Should I Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs in North Texas?

Spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths should be planted in late fall to early winter, typically from mid-November through early January. This gives them the cool chilling period they need to bloom in spring.

Pro Tip: Tulips and hyacinths benefit from 6-8 weeks of pre-chilling in the fridge before planting. Store them in a paper bag away from fruit (especially apples), which emit ethylene gas and can damage the bulbs.

2. How Deep Should I Plant My Bulbs?

A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. For example, a 2-inch tall bulb should be planted 4 to 6 inches deep. Always plant with the pointed end facing up.

3. Do Bulbs Need Full Sun?

Most spring-flowering bulbs prefer full to partial sun—that means at least 6 hours of direct light. Planting under deciduous trees is fine, since those trees typically won’t leaf out until after the bulbs have bloomed.

4. Can I Grow Bulbs in Containers?

Absolutely! Bulbs do beautifully in containers.
Choose pots with excellent drainage, use a high-quality potting mix, and follow the same planting depth rules. Layering different types of bulbs (a technique called "lasagna planting") can give you extended bloom times in one container.

5. What Kind of Soil Do Bulbs Need?

Bulbs hate soggy soil. They do best in well-draining soil that’s been enriched with compost. Amend heavy clay soil with expanded shale or organic matter to improve drainage.

NHG carries a variety of organic soil amendments to get your beds bulb-ready—ask a Garden Advisor for help!

6. Should I Fertilize When Planting?

Yes, but choose the right fertilizer. Use a bulb-specific fertilizer or bone meal at planting time to encourage root development. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can push out leaves but not flowers.

7. What’s the Best Way to Water Bulbs?

Water bulbs thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root growth. After that, water only when the soil is dry—bulbs don’t like to stay wet.

8. Why Didn’t My Bulbs Come Back This Year?

In Texas, not all bulbs are perennial. Tulips, for example, are treated as annuals here due to our mild winters. Daffodils and species hyacinths are more reliable returners. Make sure to let foliage die back naturally after blooming—this allows the bulb to store energy for next year.

9. What Are the Easiest Bulbs for Texas Beginners?

Some of the best-performing bulbs for Texas include:

• Narcissus (Daffodils) – extremely reliable and deer-resistant

• Alliums – ornamental and striking

• Spanish Bluebells – great for naturalizing

• Summer Snowflakes (Leucojum) – charming and shade-tolerant

Stop by NHG to see which varieties are in stock and suited for your planting window!

10. How Do I Protect Bulbs from Squirrels and Critters?

Critters love digging up bulbs. To protect your investment:

• Lay a piece of chicken wire over the soil after planting and cover with mulch.

• Avoid using blood meal, which may attract rather than repel animals.

• Consider planting bulbs alongside unappealing plants like garlic or alliums.

Get Planting Support at North Haven Gardens
Whether you're trying bulbs for the first time or looking to expand your collection, our Garden Advisors are here to help. Visit us for the best regional bulb selection, premium soils, fertilizers, and expert guidance.

Compliments of North Haven Gardens · 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas, TX 75230
Explore more planting guides and seasonal tips at NHG.com