Buy spring-flowering bulbs in late summer or early fall, then plant them in fall when local conditions are right. Buy tender summer-flowering bulbs in time for spring planting after frost danger passes. Fall-flowering bulbs are species-specific: for example, Maryland Extension recommends planting hardy colchicum in August. Buying time and planting time are not always the same.
When should I buy spring bulbs?
Shop for tulip, daffodil, hyacinth, and crocus bulbs in late summer or early fall. Iowa State University Extension says spring-flowering bulbs may be available as early as late August, and shopping early can give you a better choice of varieties. The right time to plant them is later, in fall—not as soon as you buy them.
Fall planting gives bulbs time to establish roots before winter. Many spring-flowering bulbs also need winter cold to bloom. The planting calendar depends on local climate: Iowa State identifies October as ideal in Iowa, while Kansas State University Extension’s September 17, 2026 guidance recommends planting spring bulbs in Kansas through October. These are regional recommendations, not dates for every location.
For a planting window suited to your area, consult your local cooperative extension or a trusted local grower. For more guidance, see Iowa State’s advice on selecting and planting spring-blooming bulbs and Kansas State’s fall planting guidance for Kansas.
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When should I buy summer-flowering bulbs?
Buy summer-flowering bulbs in time to plant them in spring, after the danger of frost has passed in your area. Common examples include dahlias, gladiolus, begonias, and caladiums. Some are tender and cannot safely remain in the ground through winter in colder climates; those types may need to be lifted and stored in a frost-free place. Check the variety’s hardiness and care instructions before buying. Maryland Extension explains the seasonal groups and care considerations in its bulb guide.
When should I buy fall-flowering bulbs?
Check the planting time for the particular species, and shop ahead of that window. Maryland Extension recommends planting hardy fall-flowering colchicum in August. That date is guidance for colchicum, not a universal planting date for every fall-flowering bulb or bulb-like plant.
How should I choose and store bulbs?
Choose healthy bulbs
- Look for bulbs that are firm, solid, and plump.
- Avoid bulbs that are soft, shriveled, unusually lightweight, or discolored with mold.
- When choosing among spring-flowering bulbs, larger bulbs generally produce a better flower display, according to Iowa State Extension.
- Compare the variety’s flower, color, and suitability for your local conditions. For summer types, check whether they are hardy where you live and whether they need to be lifted for winter.
Store early purchases until planting
If you buy spring bulbs before fall planting time, keep them cool and dry until planting. Iowa State suggests a cool, dry place such as a garage or basement; Maryland Extension also advises keeping spring bulbs cool. Storage needs can vary by species, so follow the supplier’s instructions rather than assuming one temperature or method suits every bulb.
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Gardeners often use “bulb” as a general term for several kinds of underground plant structures, including corms, tubers, tuberous roots, and rhizomes. This is why care and storage directions can differ even among plants sold as summer bulbs.
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| Flowers you want | When to buy | Planting window in cited guidance | Examples and caveats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Late summer through early fall; Iowa State says buying may begin in late August. | Fall. Iowa State identifies October as ideal in Iowa; Kansas State’s September 17, 2026 guidance recommends planting through October in Kansas. | Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses. Local climate and species affect timing. |
| Summer | In time for spring planting. | Spring, after local danger of frost has passed. | Dahlias, gladiolus, begonias, and caladiums. Some tender types require lifting and frost-free winter storage. |
| Fall | Shop ahead of the particular species’ planting window. | Maryland Extension recommends August planting for hardy fall-flowering colchicum. | Do not apply the colchicum date to all fall-flowering plants. |
Do you need a bulb planter?
No special tool is required to answer the timing question or plant bulbs. A trowel, bulb planter, or drill auger can help with individual planting holes, but a prepared bed may be easier for a large planting. Illinois Extension cautions that bulb planters do not work well in many soils; its bulb planting guide covers site and planting considerations.
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