Now is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs

K-State horticulture expert says bulbs should establish roots in the fall

At a glance: Planning ahead this fall can result in a colorful spring landscape of tulips, daffodils, crocus and more, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Matt McKernan.

More information: Matt McKernan, hortsupport@ksu.edu

Related: Kansas Garden Guide

K-State horticulture expert Matt McKernan says planting bulbs in the fall allows for roots to establish during the winter.

Sept. 17, 2026

K-State Extension news service

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Planning ahead this fall can result in a colorful spring landscape of tulips, daffodils, crocus and more, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Matt McKernan.

McKernan said spring-flowering bulbs can be planted from now through October, giving bulbs time to establish roots before a required chilling period during winter months.

“Spring flowering bulbs already have next spring’s flowers fully developed inside the bulb,” McKernan said. “This provides added flexibility for when bulbs can be planted in the fall, but requires the purchase of a high-quality bulb.”

McKernan recommends looking for bulbs that are firm, free of rot and decay, and that are the largest size possible. “Since each bulb contains a fully formed flower inside, the larger the bulb, the larger the flower you can expect when it blooms next spring,” McKernan added.

“When planting, choose an area with full sun to part shade,” McKernan said. “Ideally the soil should be a sandy loam, but if not, it can be amended by adding compost to a depth of at least one foot.”

He recommends incorporating fertilizer at planting as well.

“Determine the planting depth based on the bulb size. Planting depth refers to the distance from the bottom of the hole, where the base of the bulb will rest, to the surface of the soil once the hole is backfilled,” McKernan said.

Bulbs the size of tulips and hyacinths are typically planted six inches deep while daffodil-size bulbs should be 6-8 inches deep. Small bulbs like crocus or snowdrops, however, should only be planted 2-3 inches deep.

“In general, bulbs should be planted 2-3 times as deep as their height,” McKernan said.

He suggests spacing large bulbs 4-6 inches apart and small bulbs 1-2 inches apart.

“Mass plantings create a more aesthetically pleasing display when spring blooms emerge,” McKernan said.

Though gardeners will not see above-ground growth in the fall, roots are still growing, he said.

“Keep the soil moist and add mulch after the soil freezes to provide insulation and prevent bulbs from being heaved out of the soil,” McKernan said.

McKernan and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.

Interested persons can subscribe to the free newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions by email to hortsupport@ksu.edu, or contact your local K-State Extension office.

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K‑State Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the wellbeing of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.