Growing Flowers From Bulbs

Many of the earliest spring flowers grow from bulbs. The bulb is a store of food that lets the plant shoot up and grow before it is warm enough for most flowers.

Only use bulbs that you can buy - never dig up bulbs that are growing wild!

The image shows three different types of bulbs, likely including shallots and possibly other alliums, sprouting green shoots.

What you will need to get started

  • Clay pots
  • Bulbs from the store
  • Soil or compost
  • Sand
  • Water
Sprouting green shoots emerging from dark, rich soil, indicating new plant growth in early spring.
A row of potted flowers in various colors on a windowsill, with some blooms and green leaves visible.

Step 1

  1. Buy your bulbs in the fall.
  2. Plant them in pots of compost, or garden soil mixed with sand.
  3. Dampen the compost before you begin.

Step 2

  1. Half fill the pot with soil or compost.
  2. Plant the bulbs with the pointed end upward.
  3. Leave about 1 inch between them.
  4. Cover them with soil until only the tips show.

Step 3

  1. Leave the bulbs in a dark, airy place until they begin to grow.
  2. Don't forget about them and be sure to keep the compost damp.

Step 4

  1. You should see the first shoots in about two months.
  2. Put the pots in a warm, sunny place and water them.

Tips

  • Try planting pits from apples or oranges, and pits from avocados or peaches as well.
  • Plant them as above, put them on a window sill, and keep them well watered.

Information provided by USDA: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/kids/activities/bulbs.shtml

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