| Best planting time by growing zone | |
|---|---|
| Zone 2 (-50 to -40°F) | Beginning of September |
| Zone 3 (-40 to -30°F) | Mid-September |
| Zone 4 (-30 to -20°F) | End of September to beginning of October |
| Zone 5 (-20 to -10°F) | End of September to beginning of October |
| Zone 6 (-10 to 0°F) | Mid-October |
| Zone 7 (0 to 10°F) | Beginning of November |
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If you're in Zone 3 and missed the optimal time frame for planting your spring bulbs, are you doomed next season? Montgomery says probably not.
While these time frames describe the best time to plant scallions, they can be considered a general guideline. In fact, she says her own husband (who is also a gardener) regularly plants his spring bulbs later than recommended (by the end of December in their zone 7 garden), and always with excellent results.
So don't be afraid to do a little catching up in October if you're in a growing area where you should have planted your scallions in September. The great thing about spring onions is that they are hardy and easy to care for.
How to plant spring onions like a pro
Ian Laker Photography/Getty Images
Planting scallions is a relatively simple process. However, Montgomery has a few tips to help you get the most out of your early spring garden, and it all comes down to planting the bulbs correctly.
This includes soil preparation, proper spacing, planting at the right depth, watering, fertilizing and mulching.
Prepare the soil
Montgomery says it's always a good idea to amend the soil with compost or organic material before planting to improve drainage and increase available nutrients.
Flower bulbs require well-drained soil to grow, so heavy clay soils need to be worked well. Normal garden soil is sufficient for tulip bulbs and daffodil bulbs, but additional drainage never hurts.
Plant depth and spacing
As a rule of thumb, you should plant bulbs three times as deep as they are tall, says Montgomery. For example, if a bulb is two inches tall, it should be planted six inches deep. This ensures that plants are securely anchored in the ground and discourages animals from digging up shallow bulbs.
“Always plant bulbs with the tip facing up,” says Montgomery. “If it doesn't have a pointy side, plant it anyway. It will automatically grow upward.”
The lamp distance is more objective. Some growers prefer to plant bulbs in straight rows (especially if you are growing flowers for harvest), while others prefer to plant bulbs in groups for a more natural look.
Regardless of how you plant them, make sure your tulip bulbs and daffodil bulbs are about 3 to 6 inches apart, says Montgomery. Smaller bulbs like snowdrops and crocuses can be planted closer.
Spring
Water thoroughly after planting to ensure the soil settles well around the bulbs. After that, Montgomery says, regular fall rainfall should be enough to sustain the bulbs as they acclimate and begin to grow roots.
However, if you live in a particularly dry area or are experiencing a prolonged drought, supplemental irrigation is a good idea. Spring onions only need a thorough watering every two weeks in the fall.
Fertilize
Fertilization is not necessary, but can be helpful in ensuring the best blooms in the spring. However, using the right fertilizer is essential. According to Montgomery, an organic bulb fertilizer is best.
“Normal fertilizers are not enough; flower bulbs have special nutrient requirements,” she says. “For best results, apply an organic bulb fertilizer at planting time in the fall and after flowering in the spring.”
Mulch
Finally, applying a layer of mulch after planting can help retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature, according to Montgomery. When planting bulbs in a lawn, you don't need to add mulch because the surrounding grass will protect the bulbs and retain moisture.