It’s not too late to plant spring bulbs in November. Learn which bulbs will bloom beautifully next spring and how to plant them now.
Every year when the first flowers bloom, you might promise yourself to plant bulbs in the fall. You still can, as long as the ground isn’t frozen. Even in late fall, there’s enough time for bulbs to chill and get ready for spring. Here are some bulbs you can plant in November to bring early color and cheer to your garden.
When To Plant Spring Bulbs
The best time to plant spring bulbs depends on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone where you live. In Zones 6–7, November is a great month to plant because the soil is cool. Try to plant before the first frost, when nighttime temperatures are around 40 to 50°F. This gives the roots time to grow before the ground freezes. You can keep planting bulbs as long as the soil isn’t frozen and you can still dig into it.
In warmer areas, like Zones 8–10, it’s better to plant bulbs a little later, around January, or you can chill them before planting. Gardeners in Zone 7 sometimes pre-chill tulip, daffodil, crocus, hyacinth, and snowdrop bulbs if the winter is mild.
To do this, place the bulbs in a mesh, paper, or other breathable bag and keep them in the refrigerator for six to fourteen weeks, depending on the bulb type. Keep them away from fruits because fruits release gas that can stop bulbs from blooming. When you’re ready to plant, take the bulbs straight from the fridge to the garden so they stay cool.
Spring Bulbs You Can Still Plant in November
1. Winter Aconite
Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) is another early flower. It has small, cup-shaped blooms that sit on frilly green leaves. They grow from tubers but are often sold as bulbs in the fall because they need the same cold period as spring bulbs. Plant them in groups to make a bigger display in wooded areas, or let them spread naturally in your lawn.
2. Daffodils And Jonquils
When their bright yellow flowers start to appear, it’s a clear sign that spring is coming. Jonquils are a type of daffodil (Narcissus) that grows well in the warmer southern regions and can handle clay soil. They smell sweet and often have several yellow blooms on each stem. Daffodils, on the other hand, grow better in cooler climates and usually have one flower per stem in shades of yellow, peach, white, or a mix of colors.
3.Crocus
These cheerful flowers are among the first to appear, sometimes even in late winter. Crocus (Crocus) blooms are bright yellow or purple, and their early colors make garden paths and woodland areas look lively. Plant them close together to create colorful clusters. Choose soil that drains well and a spot that gets full sun or partial shade.
4. Ornamental Onions
Ornamental onions (Allium) bring a fun touch to the garden with their tall, round flowers. Their blooms can be pink, purple, blue, or white and appear in late spring or summer, attracting butterflies and bees. Plant the bulbs in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic and in a spot that gets full sun. You can plant them as late as December, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.
5. Hyacinths
These classic spring flowers are easy to spot with their tall stalks covered in clusters of purple, blue, pink, or white blooms and their strong, sweet scent. Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) grow best in full sun and well-draining soil. You can also grow them indoors if you chill the bulbs for about 10 weeks first. Grape hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) aren’t true hyacinths, but they look similar and were once part of the same plant family. These spring bulbs spread easily by dropping seeds and forming new bulbs underground, creating a colorful carpet of blooms year after year.
6. Checkered Lillies
These bell-shaped flowers, often with a checkered pattern, add a striking look to any garden. They grow well in full sun or light shade. They grow best in USDA zones 4 to 8, bloom from mid to late spring, and come in colors like orange, purple, yellow, and more.
7. English Bluebells
These bell-shaped flowers are a classic. When planted in a partly shaded area, they will spread and give a romantic, woodland feel to your garden. Most are blue, but you can also find pink or white varieties. They grow well in USDA zones 4 to 8, bloom from mid to late spring, and come in blue, pink, or white.
8. Tulips
Tulips (Tulipa) come in many colors and varieties, so that you can plant them all around your yard for a bright and different look. Some hybrid tulips bloom beautifully for one season but may not come back the next year, or they might grow smaller. For long-lasting blooms, choose species tulips that spread naturally or Darwin hybrid tulips that return every year. Tulips need 12 to 16 weeks of cold weather to bloom in early spring. Plant them in full sun and soil that drains well.
9. Snowdrops
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) bloom early in the year, and you might even see them poking through the snow. They have small, bell-shaped flowers that hang from narrow leaves. Despite their delicate look, they are hardy, resist deer, have few pests or diseases, and can grow in clay soil. For best results, plant them in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can handle occasional wet soil. Snowdrops do well in woodland gardens, spreading under trees and shrubs.
