{"id":8311,"date":"2026-09-10T09:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T15:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/?p=8311"},"modified":"2026-09-10T09:04:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T15:04:40","slug":"unusual-fall-planted-bulbs-for-your-spring-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/2026\/09\/10\/unusual-fall-planted-bulbs-for-your-spring-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"Unusual Fall-Planted Bulbs for Your Spring Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group c-breadcrumbs alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\"><p><span class=\"last\">Home<\/span><\/p><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-33811678 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unusual Fall-Planted Bulbs for Your Spring Garden<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>By Valerie Seale, Colorado Master Gardener<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the cold winter months along the Front Range, gardeners eagerly look forward to signs of spring with bright pops of color emerging from their gardens. Bulbs are nature\u2019s answer to vibrant spring color, <em>if<\/em> you plan ahead in the fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Popular spring-blooming bulbs that are planted in the fall include anemone, crocus, crown imperial (<em>Fritillaria<\/em>), hyacinth, iris, narcissus (daffodil and jonquil), ornamental onion (<em>Allium<\/em>), striped squill (<em>Puschkinia scilloides<\/em>), Siberian squill (<em>Scilla siberica<\/em>), and tulips. When selecting, planting and caring for bulbs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Purchase bulbs that are large, firm, dormant (no green shoots), and disease-free.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Break up dry, compacted clay soil with a light amount of compost. Add a small amount of granular fertilizer with a high phosphorus and moderate to low nitrogen content; i.e., an N-P-K ratio of 4-10-6.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plant at a depth of 2 to 2.5 times the bulb\u2019s height in heavy clay soils, and 3 to 4 times its height in sandy soils, pointed end up, flat bottom with roots down.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deep soak the soil after planting. Water during winter if nature provides scant snow or rain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continue to water the bulbs while they bloom and actively grow. Cut spent flowers at the bottom of their stalks to let the bulbs recover their energy. Remove remaining foliage once it has completely dried.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Note that certain bulbs can be toxic to animals if eaten. If you plan on placing bulbs in areas with pet access, research the bulbs on toxic plant websites such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspca.org\/pet-care\/aspca-poison-control\/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.aspca.org\/pet-care\/aspca-poison-control\/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Less-familiar bulbs can provide your spring garden with unique bursts of colors and shapes. They might even prompt your neighbors to ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s that eye-catching plant in your yard?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"387\" height=\"387\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/fritillaria.jpg\" alt=\"orange\/red flowers that angle down from stems\" class=\"wp-image-8312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/fritillaria.jpg 387w, https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/fritillaria.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/fritillaria.jpg?resize=300,300 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 387px) 100vw, 387px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Red Crown Imperial. Photo: highcountrygardens.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Red Crown Imperial (<\/strong><strong><em>Fritillaria imperialis<\/em><\/strong><strong> \u2018Rubra\u2019<\/strong><strong>)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This regal beauty displays striking hanging clusters of orange-red flowers tucked under a crown of spiky green foliage. It\u2019s a mid-spring bloomer, with lasting foliage that continues the intrigue into summer. Plant in a partially-shaded location, at a 45\u00b0 angle to avoid rot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"388\" height=\"291\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/grape-hyacinth.jpg\" alt=\"blue segmented flowers on short, slender stalks\" class=\"wp-image-8314\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3333512323470977;width:388px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/grape-hyacinth.jpg 388w, https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/grape-hyacinth.jpg?resize=300,225 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 388px) 100vw, 388px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Grape Hyacinth. Photo: www.nature-and-garden.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grape Hyacinth (<\/strong><strong><em>Muscari armeniacum<\/em><\/strong><strong>)<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lesser-known hyacinth species, grape hyacinths are smaller and more delicate. Their deep blue flower clusters resemble upside-down grapes with a mild fragrance. This mid-spring bloomer can spread to form drifts of colorful colonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"649\" height=\"996\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/allium.jpg\" alt=\"round purple flowers on slender stalks\" class=\"wp-image-8315\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6516009601054233;object-fit:cover;width:388px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/allium.jpg 649w, https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/allium.jpg?resize=195,300 195w, https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/allium.jpg?resize=600,921 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 649px) 100vw, 649px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Purple Sensation Ornamental Onion (Allium aflatunense \u2018Purple Sensation\u2019). Photo: gardeninacity.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ornamental Onion (<em>Allium<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ornamental onion\u2019s large, ball-shaped clusters of purple or white flowers atop 3-to-4-foot stems bloom in late spring. Space the bulbs 6 to 8 inches apart to allow room for its 1-foot-long leaves. This type of onion is best planted at the back of beds or borders with other perennial flowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9b47041c wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"276\" height=\"369\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/siberian-squill.jpg\" alt=\"blue flowers on short plants\" class=\"wp-image-8316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/siberian-squill.jpg 276w, https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/siberian-squill.jpg?resize=224,300 224w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica)<\/em>. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"275\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/striped-squill.jpg\" alt=\"white flowers with faint blue stripes on short plants\" class=\"wp-image-8317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/striped-squill.jpg 275w, https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/striped-squill.jpg?resize=225,300 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 275px) 100vw, 275px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Striped Squill (Puschkinia scilloides). Photos: www.dutchgrown.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Siberian Squill (<\/strong><strong><em>Scilla siberica<\/em><\/strong><strong>) and Striped Squill<\/strong><strong> (<em>Puschkinia scilloides<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nodding, blue, bell-shaped flowers of Siberian squill herald the beginning of spring. Naturalizing from seed, this wildflower creates stunning gentian blue floral drifts. It is very attractive when combined with striped squill under the canopy of an early spring-blooming serviceberry tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Striped squill is a bright little bulb with white flowers traced with lines of blue. It shares traits with Siberian squill, but features lightly scented blooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"287\" height=\"383\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/red-riding-hood.jpg\" alt=\"short red tulip\" class=\"wp-image-8318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/red-riding-hood.jpg 287w, https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/red-riding-hood.jpg?resize=225,300 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 287px) 100vw, 287px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Red Riding Hood Tulip. Photo: www.bluestoneperennials.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Red Riding Hood Tulip (<em>Tulipa greigeii<\/em> \u2018Red Riding Hood\u2019)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the earliest blooming tulips, \u2018Red Riding Hood\u2019 is a popular dwarf species tulip known for scarlet-red flowers and green leaves with purplish-brown stripes. Blooming early-to-mid spring, it also provides continuing interest with its unusual and attractive foliage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unusual Fall-Planted Bulbs for Your Spring Garden By Valerie Seale, Colorado Master Gardener After the cold winter months along the Front Range, gardeners eagerly look forward to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":185,"featured_media":8312,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":true},"class_list":["post-8311","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","pp_force_visibility":null,"pp_subpost_visibility":null,"pp_inherited_force_visibility":null,"pp_inherited_subpost_visibility":null,"pp_post_mime_type":"","acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2026\/09\/fritillaria.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8311","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/185"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8311"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8311\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8399,"href":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8311\/revisions\/8399"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/arapahoe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8311"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}