When to Plant Spring Flowers in January

Planting bulbs in the fall ensures a higher chance of success. However, there are several advantages to planting bulbs in January. For example, it helps avoid fungal infections that often affect plants in warm and damp soil. Before starting the process, it is worth considering some recommendations.

Bulbs

Before planting the bulbs, they should be carefully inspected, as they may have molded in their original packaging, especially if they were kept in a damp and warm place. Only healthy specimens are suitable for planting. It is optimal to store bulbs in a dry, dark, and cool place using plastic packaging. Paper bags, cardboard, or wooden boxes are also suitable.

Soil

In winter, the soil may be frozen or excessively wet, so it is not possible to plant bulbs directly in the ground. In this case, pots can help. To ensure the bulbs feel comfortable, a few handfuls of sand, peat moss, or coconut fiber should be added to the soil mix. This will improve drainage. It is recommended to place the pots in a sheltered location — on a porch or against a wall, to protect them from adverse weather conditions.

Protection from Cold

The bulbs of plants such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses generally tolerate cold well, but additional protection is beneficial. If it is expected that the temperature will drop below zero after planting, it is advisable to cover the beds with a layer of mulch or straw. Bulbs planted in pots can be protected from frost by wrapping them in burlap or bubble wrap.

When Will the “January” Bulbs Bloom

Bulbs planted in January will bloom a little later than those planted in the fall. However, experts warn that flowering may not occur, but it is still worth taking the risk.

If there are doubts, blooming bulbs can be purchased in the spring and planted in the garden. It is also worth noting that even if the daffodil and crocus bulbs planted in the ground do not bloom this spring, they may reward you with a “harvest” next year.