Can bulbs survive if planted after the first frost?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Emergency measures for planting bulbs While planting bulbs in the ground after the first frost is a viable option, it is considered an emergency measure. With late-planted bulbs, insulation and immediate hydration are key for survival through freezing temperatures. Bulbs from hardy varieties, such as crocuses and snowdrops, manage much better when planted late, as opposed to tulips. If you can act quickly enough, you may still be able to save bulbs from certain doom.
Take these three steps immediately after planting bulbs in late spring. Water deeply to settle around bulbs. Add 6 inches (15 cm) of mulch made from straw or shredded leaves. Use a bulb booster solution that contains phosphorus to enhance root growth before the ground freezes.
Immediate Actions
- Soak bulbs in warm water for 2 hours before planting
- Dig holes during midday thaw when soil is workable
- Water with 50°F (10°C) water immediately after planting
- Apply thick organic mulch immediately after planting
- Install wind barriers using burlap screens
Ongoing Protection
- Monitor soil temperature daily with probe thermometer
- Replenish mulch after snowmelt or heavy rain
- Apply anti-desiccant spray to exposed shoots
- Use frost cloth during extreme cold snaps
- Avoid foot traffic on planted areas
Choose tougher varieties when planting late. Snowdrops and winter aconites can survive cold temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C). Avoid tender species, such as fritillaries, which take longer to establish and recover from disturbance. I have successfully overwintered tardily planted daffodils.
Delayed growth and bloom in spring is to be expected. Bulbs planted late may bloom 2 to 3 weeks later than those grown at the right time. Fertilize with a high-phosphorus fertilizer as soon as shoots emerge. Label these bulbs for division in the following summer to rejuvenate the bulbs.
Read the full article: When to Plant Bulbs for Spring Blooms
