When to Plant

If you garden in a frost-free area (zones 9-11) you may plant your bulbs as soon as they arrive. In cooler areas (zone 4-8) please follow the information below. 

Potted plants, bare root plants, and plugs may be planted outdoors immediately. If the weather is dry, water frequently until they have established new roots.

Tuberous begonias: Get a jump on the season by starting tubers indoors, 8-10 weeks before moving them outside. 

Lilies: Lily bulbs are not sensitive to cold and should be planted outdoors in early spring.

Dahlias, Cannas, Callas, Crinum, Eucomis, Nerine, Hymenocallis: Wait to plant these sensitive bulbs until two weeks after any chance of frost has passed. In northern areas, consider starting the bulbs in pots indoors, 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outside. 

Crocosmia, Liatris, Eremuris, Brodiaea: Plant these hardy bulbs outdoors approximately one week after the frost-free date for your area. 

Glads, Acidanthera: Begin planting these bulbs outdoors any time after the last frost date. make two or three plantings during spring and early summer to extend bloom time.

Elephant Ears and Caladiums: These plants will not grow in cold soil. Wait until the soil has warmed to 65°F, which in northern areas, may be mid-June. For an earlier start, plant the bulbs in pots and grow indoors for 4 to 6 weeks.