Winter-Flowering Bulbs: A Burst of Color for Your Winter Garden
What are Winter-Flowering Bulbs?
Winter-flowering bulbs are hardy plants that bloom in the winter months, adding a much-needed splash of color to your garden when there’s not much else in bloom. They’re used to pushing through snow and ice, so they’re tough enough to withstand the most challenging conditions.
How to Plant Winter Bulbs
Plant winter bulbs outdoors in the fall, when they’re dormant. Plant them two to three times the depth of the bulb itself. Water well and allow to drain. Mark where you planted them so you don’t accidentally dig them up.
How to Force Bulbs Indoors
For indoor displays, plant winter bulbs eight to 13 weeks before you want them to flower. Plant them in a vase or shallow bowl on top of a layer of gravel. Add water to reach the top of the gravel layer only. The bulbs will grow and flower without soil.
Best Winter-Flowering Bulbs
Here are some of the best winter-flowering bulbs for your garden:
- Winter aconite: Bright yellow flowers that bloom in early February.
- Snowdrops: One of the first bulbs to emerge in the year, often as early as January.
- Chinodoxa: Also known as “glory of the snow,” this bulb produces blue flowers that bloom in early spring.
- Daffodils: Some varieties of daffodils have been bred to bloom earlier in the year, with flowers appearing as early as late January.
- Paperwhite narcissi: These bulbs are only suitable for growing indoors and produce fragrant, white flowers.
- Amaryllis: Another indoor bulb, amaryllis produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors.
- Cyclamen coum: Hardy cyclamen produce pink or white flowers that bloom in the middle of winter.
- Hyacinths: Normally a spring-flowering bulb, hyacinths can be forced indoors for winter blooms.
Tips for Buying Winter-Flowering Bulbs
- If buying bulbs to force indoors, make sure they are heat treated.
- Always check bulbs for signs of damage or disease before planting.
Where to Buy Winter-Flowering Bulbs
You can find winter-flowering bulbs at most garden centers and online retailers.
