WHAT ARE FALL BULBS?
Fall bulbs are a simple and rewarding way to get a head start on your spring garden.
Plant them now, and they’ll spend the winter quietly developing beneath the surface—then reward you with vibrant blooms as the weather warms. These spring-flowering bulbs, often called dormant perennials, thrive when planted in the cool, moist soil of fall and benefit from winter’s natural chill to bloom right on time.
Whether you’re planting Tulips, Irises, Daffodils, or Crocus, fall bulbs are perfect for gardeners of all levels. They’re low-maintenance, beginner-friendly, and provide an early feast for pollinators, making your spring garden even more vibrant and full of life.
Crocus bulbs are the earliest to bloom, at the beginning of spring. Shortly after in mid-spring, they’re followed by Daffodils (Narcissus) and Tulips. Then in late spring, Bearded Irises begin to bloom. By choosing bulbs with staggered bloom times, you’ll enjoy waves of color that unfold beautifully throughout the season.
Smart Planting Tips for Fall Bulb Success
Bulbs thrive best in well-draining soil that allows their roots to grow strong and healthy. Heavy or compacted soil can hold too much moisture, so it’s important to loosen the native soil and clear away any debris. For best results, till the top layer of existing soil and mix in 3 inches of Calloway’s Premium Flowerbed Garden Soil to create a light, nutrient-rich environment where your bulbs will flourish.
Make planting bulbs quick and easy with the Truper Tru-Tough Bulb Planter! Designed for durability and comfort, this handy tool helps you dig perfect holes for bulbs with minimal effort.
When planting your fall bulbs, mix in Espoma® Organic® Bone Meal All Natural Plant Food as directed. This product is rich in organic matter and is ideal for all types of bulbs.
Bone meal is especially helpful for bulbs because it’s rich in phosphorus and calcium—two nutrients essential for strong root growth and plentiful blooms. Unlike general fertilizers, it supports the unique needs of bulbs, which require more phosphorus than most annuals or perennials. This is particularly important for fall-planted bulbs as they develop roots over winter to bloom in spring. Espoma’s bone meal provides long-lasting, slow-release feeding with exclusive Bio-tone® Microbes, and it’s made from 100% natural and organic ingredients—no fillers or sludge.
After planting, give your bulbs an extra layer of care by covering the soil with Calloway’s Premium Mulches. This helps protect them, maintains consistent moisture, and keeps the soil cool and comfortable as they begin to settle in for the season.
Bulb Basics: What to Plant and How to Do It
1: TULIP BULBS
Tulips are a timeless favorite for gardeners and flower lovers alike—bold, cheerful, and bursting with color! Originally native to Central Asia and once found mainly in shades of red and yellow, tulips have blossomed into a dazzling rainbow of varieties that can brighten up any garden.
From classic Triumphs to charming Dwarf Hybrids and elegant Fosterianas, there’s a tulip for every style and space. Explore the endless possibilities and find your favorite tulips to make your spring garden truly unforgettable!
TULIP PLANTING TIPS:
Just a quick tip for Texas gardeners: Tulip bulbs need to be chilled before planting to ensure proper spring blooms. Since our winters aren’t cold enough for long enough, you’ll need to store the bulbs in your refrigerator for 6–8 weeks before planting. Keep them in a paper bag, away from fruits (especially apples), as the ethylene gas can damage the bulbs.
- Plant in mid-autumn to early winter for mid-spring blooms.
- Pick a sunny location with good drainage.
- Dig a hole 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall and plant in groups of 10 for borders.
- Place the bulb in the hole and cover with Calloway’s Premium Flowerbed Garden Soil.
- Space each bulb a couple of inches apart with the pointy end up so the flower can grow.
- Water thoroughly and protect with a layer of mulch.
2: IRIS BULBS
With their striking blooms and elegant form, Iris bulbs bring a touch of drama and sophistication to any garden. Known for their sword-like leaves and unique, frilled flowers, Irises come in a stunning range of colors—from deep purples and blues to soft yellows and pinks. These hardy perennials are not only beautiful but also reliable bloomers that return year after year with minimal effort. They add height, texture, and vibrant color to your spring garden.
IRIS PLANTING TIPS:
- Plant: In fall, about 4–6 weeks before the first hard frost.
- Choose a sunny spot: Irises need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to thrive.
- Plant in well-draining soil and mix in organic matter to improve drainage if needed.
- Position bulbs shallowly and plant with the top just below the soil surface, spaced 3–4 inches apart.
- Water lightly after planting: Then only as needed. Irises don’t like soggy soil!
- Leave room to grow and divide clumps every few years to keep them healthy and blooming strong.
3: NARCISSUS BULBS
Cheerful and classic, Narcissus, more commonly known as Daffodils, are a joyful sign that spring has arrived! These hardy, easy-to-grow perennials thrive in most parts of North America and are perfect for borders, planting between shrubs, or adding a pop of sunshine to any garden bed. Plus, they make lovely cut flowers to bring that springtime feeling indoors! As they grow, Daffodils naturally multiply by forming “daughter bulbs,” creating even more beautiful blooms year after year.
At your local Calloway’s and Cornelius, you’ll find a wide selection of treasured Narcissus varieties—like Exception, Mount Hood, Blends of Beauty®, and fragrant Paperwhites, perfect for indoor blooms during the cooler months.
NARCISSUS PLANTING TIPS:
- • Plant in the fall and enjoy the blooms in mid to late spring.
• Pick a sunny location with well-draining soil. Narcissus can tolerate partial shade during the day.
• Dig a hole 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. Place the bulb in the hole and cover with Calloway’s Premium Flowerbed Garden Soil.
• Space each bulb 3-6 inches apart with the pointy end up so the flower can grow.
• Water in after planting and protect with mulch.
• When blooms are spent, deadhead plants and allow the leaves to remain. Allow the plant to grow until it dies off before cutting down. This will give the plant more time to store energy for next year’s blooms.
4: CROCUS BULBS
One of the first signs that spring is near, Crocus bulbs bring a burst of color just when you need it most. These charming purple and blue little flowers pop up early—sometimes even through the snow!
Perfect for borders, rock gardens, or even naturalizing in lawns, crocuses are easy to grow and quick to delight. Their early blooms also provide an important food source for pollinators waking up after winter, making them as helpful as they are beautiful.
CROCUS PLANTING TIPS:
- Plant early to mid-fall, about 6–8 weeks before the first hard frost.
- Pick a sunny or lightly shaded spot: Crocuses love light and will bloom best with plenty of it.
- Use well-draining soil and avoid soggy areas to keep bulbs healthy.
- Plant 3–4 inches deep and space bulbs about 2–3 inches apart, pointy end up.
- Water after planting: Then let nature take care of the rest—crocuses are low-maintenance!
- Let foliage fade naturally: After blooming, allow leaves to yellow and die back to feed next year’s growth.
SHOP WITH EASE
To better serve you, at your community Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have convenient ways to shop for fall bulbs and all your gardening supplies! Shop our open-air stores or shop online for Curbside Pickup or Delivery!
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we’re here to make your fall planting exciting and easy!
Discover a beautiful selection of fall bulbs to brighten your spring garden. Visit any of our 28 neighborhood stores for expert advice and inspiration.
Not sure where to start? Our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals are always ready to help you choose the right bulbs and show you how to plant them for the best results. Let’s grow something beautiful together—your spring garden starts now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall bulbs are spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths that need a cool period to develop strong roots before winter. Planting them in autumn allows them to rest underground through the cold months and bloom beautifully in spring.
The best time to plant fall bulbs is when the soil temperature is between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, usually about six weeks before the first hard frost. This timing gives bulbs enough time to establish roots before the ground freezes.
Fall bulbs prefer well-draining soil and should never sit in standing water. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, mix in organic matter or quality garden soil to improve drainage. Choose a sunny or partly sunny location where bulbs can get several hours of light each day.
A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs about three times as deep as their height. Always place the pointed end facing up and cover with loose soil. Firm the soil gently after planting to remove air pockets and ensure proper contact with moisture.
After planting, water the bulbs well to help them settle into the soil. Add a light layer of mulch to conserve moisture and protect them from temperature swings. Once spring blooms fade, allow the foliage to die back naturally so the plant can store energy for next year’s flowers.
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