Planting Pre-Sprouted Bulbs

The Why & How of Planting Bulbs That Have Already Started to Sprout

Nothing says "spring" more than a garden full of blooming tulips and daffodils! Filling your yard with bulbs is a fantastic way to boost your curb appeal and make your neighbors a little jealous of your garden.

Despite our best efforts, sometimes the fall calendar gets a little busier than expected, and we miss the deadline for planting or cooling our spring-flowering bulbs. Maybe you moved to a new home this winter, and you simply must have daffodils in your yard, or you've decided last minute that you want bulbs but don't want to wait until the fall to plant.

Luckily, there is a solution. Say hello to the last-minute gardener's best friend: pre-sprouted bulbs!

What Are Pre-Sprouted Bulbs?

For many, the typical, picture-perfect spring garden is usually made up entirely of spring-blooming bulbs—tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths are the most popular. These spring-blooming bulbs need to be in the ground by the end of the last fall so that they can have a complete cooling or dormancy period. While bulbs lay dormant over the winter, they are using that time to develop their root system so that they have the energy to burst out of the ground the following spring.

Pre-sprouted bulbs are an excellent way to get bulbs that have had a proper dormancy period into the ground without waiting a whole year to plant in the fall. They are often marketed for indoor decor, but they can also be planted straight in the ground for nearly instant spring color in your garden. Of course, Roger’s Gardens has a wide selection for you to choose from, but hurry, they are only available for a short time!

How Do Pre-Sprouted Bulbs Work?

Pre-sprouted bulbs have been pre-chilled and kept in cold storage to replicate the cold period that winter would typically provide in the ground, ideally anywhere from 10 to 14 weeks. This period gives them enough time to develop roots and produce flower buds. They often come in pots or flats, just like annuals. Spring weather is a little unpredictable, but hardy bulbs are made for a little bit of questionable cooler weather.

Planting Pre-Sprouted Bulbs

Planting bulbs that have already started sprouting comes with a few benefits. The first is that it guarantees you are only planting healthy, viable bulbs, which can help save space in the garden. It also, of course, allows you to enjoy that beautiful spring garden, regardless of whether you planted it in the fall or not.

Before you start planting, take a look at your garden and determine what areas would most benefit from a pop of spring color or could use some filler. We recommend planting approximately 12 to 15 together in a group, rather than planting just one or two, for the best curb appeal!

It's essential to treat your pre-sprouted bulbs delicately when you plant them to ensure that you don't harm the sprout itself in the process. If the sprout breaks off of the bulb, it is likely that it won't flower. Be sure to double-check the soil and light requirements of the particular flower type you have chosen and plant accordingly.

If you want to give your spring garden a boost, be sure to head over to Roger's Gardens to grab a collection of pre-sprouted bulbs! We'd be happy to answer any more questions you have about planting bulbs in the spring.

For more information, check out our video: Gardening 101 Series | How Do I Plant Spring Bulbs?