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Too late to Plant Spring Bulbs?

Last post 28-10-2009 7:57 PM by AlexS. 3 replies.

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  • 27/10/2009 09:58 AM
    • Smudger54
    • bristol
    • 20 Apr 2009
    • 1
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    I've left things a bit late this year - is it too late to plant out spring bulbs? I live in Bristol and it is still very mild (17 deg) and I wanted to plant out some native narcissi. Soil is clay based but i've added some manure.
  • 27/10/2009 10:07 AM
    In reply to
    • Obelix
    • Belgium
    • 24 Nov 2004
    • 378
    Top 25 Contributor
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    Better late than never as they won't survive if you don't plant them but get it done soon as narcissi start producing roots in August and September when left in the ground..   Tulips can wait till December or even January as long as your garden's not frozen at the time of planting.

    Obelix - Belgium
  • 28/10/2009 07:37 PM
    In reply to
    • Lady P
    • West Sussex
    • 26 Apr 2009
    • 13
    Top 500 Contributor
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    Well you're definitely cutting it fine, but I've planted as late as November in the past with no problems, especially as you say when it's been mild, thus keeping the soil warm for optimum root growth.  Your bulbs will just flower slightly later in Spring, which is no bad thing.  I know you've put in some manure, which is marvellous for the dreaded clay, but you might want to chuck in some multi-purpose compost around the actual bulbs for extra safety.  Tulips are fine as are generally planted much later in the season anyway.  Good luck
  • 28/10/2009 07:57 PM
    In reply to
    • AlexS
    • Reading
    • 06 Sep 2009
    • 58
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    Don't worry, get them in when you can. I've planted narcissi in January and they still came up and flowered. Earlier is definitely better of course. The main problem with late planting is storage conditions. Being on display in a garden centre for months is not a good thing for a bulb, and the chances of success reduce every day. Stored in a cool dark place a bulb will stay viable much longer. Generally speaking, if the bulb is firm and healthy-looking it's likely to succeed. If it's gone soft and the tip has gone brown, you're too late. And that's true whatever month it is.

    Alex