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Expert Q&A

	By Donna Dawson Master Gardener

My wife wants me to plant some bulbs. We live in the south. What bulbs can I plant?

As I am not sure exactly how far south you are, I will give you some general information and would suggest that you visit your local garden center to find out what types of bulbs they get and when they arrive so that you can pick them up when available. Planting time is usually November to December in the south and if quite south, as late as mid December. Things to ask at the garden center include asking how far down they should be planted, and note when planting that they should not be in direct sun the whole day if possible. The bloom will not last as long as if planted in semi-sun. Darker petals will tend to fade as well with constant direct sunlight.

Late flowering and pre-chilled are what you want to look for. If they have not been pre-chilled, store them in paper bags (not plastic) in the refrigerator for eight to 10 weeks before planting. Remove any fruit from the refrigerator while the bulbs are stored there; the ethylene gas produced by the ripening process will inhibit the bulbs from flowering next spring.

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