How to Transplant Sprouted Flower Bulbs

Flower bulbs are typically stored in a cool dark area through the winter months and planted in the spring. Under ideal conditions, bulbs remain firm and healthy until planting time. Sometimes, particularly if they are exposed to some spring sun or experience an increase in room temperature, bulbs begin to sprout before it is time for planting. You may be surprised to discover bulbs with long tender sprouts twisting and turning to reach for the sun. Most will survive just fine once they are transplanted to the garden bed.

Garden tiller
Bulb food

Instructions

- 1
  Remove bulbs from the storage container and place in an area where the bulbs receive some indirect light. The object is to allow the sprouts to straighten and strengthen, but not to encourage vigorous new growth.
- 2
  Set the bulb in a paper cup, if necessary, to encourage the shoots to straighten and grow upward toward the light.
- 3
  Prepare the flowerbed for your bulbs as soon as the danger of frost has passed in your area. Till to a depth of 12 inches to allow plenty of room for bulbs to grow and roots to form. Add bulb food following the recommended application rate.
- 4
  Plant the bulb to a depth of two to three times the height of the bulb. Planting depth is measured from the top of the bulb to the soil level. Planting too shallow will result in a weak roots system that cannot support the plant.
- 5
  Position the bulb into the soil and cover with fresh soil. Don't worry that parts of the new shoot will be covered with soil. The shoot will continue to grow upward as it reaches for light.
- 6
  Firm down the soil with your hands to secure the bulbs.
- 7
  Water to moisten the soil to the depth of the bulb.

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