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When to Plant Bulbs in Massachusetts

The best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs in Massachusetts depends on your U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone. Areas along the coast are primarily in USDA zones 6 or 7, while inland locations can be in USDA zones 5 or 6. Summer- and fall-flowering bulbs should be planted on different schedules. Proper site selection and preparation prior to planting the bulbs will help them continue to produce flowers for many years.

  1. Spring-Flowering Bulbs

    • Hyacinths can be planted in groups or mixed with other spring-blooming flowers.

      In USDA zone 5, plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils (Narcissus spp.), common hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis), spring crocus (Crocus vernus) and tulips (Tulipa spp.) at the end of September or beginning of October. All of these species are generally hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8. In USDA zone 6, plant these bulbs in the middle of October. In USDA zone 7, plant them at the beginning of November.

    Summer-Flowering Bulbs

    • Prairie onions prefer sandy or gravelly soil.

      The best time to plant summer-flowering bulbs is in the spring after the last expected hard frost. This can vary from area to area and year to year within Massachusetts. Spider lilies (Lycoris radiata), resurrection lilies (Lycoris squamigera), prairie onions (Allium stellatum), Asiatic lilies such as “Commander in Chief” (Lilium “Commander in Chief”) and trumpet lilies such as “African Queen” (Lilium “African Queen Group”) are all summer-flowering bulbs that can be grown in Massachusetts. Spider lilies are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10, and resurrection lilies are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. Asiatic lilies and trumpet lilies are generally hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, and prairie onions are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.

    Fall-Flowering Bulbs

    • The best time to plant fall-flowering bulbs is August. Autumn crocus (Colchicum spp.) and autumn daffodils (Sternbergia lutea) are fall-flowering bulbs that can be grown in Massachusetts. Autumn crocus is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 7 and autumn daffodils are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.

    Site Selection and Preparation

    • Flowering bulbs thrive in planting sites where they are exposed to eight to 10 hours of direct sunlight each day, although most of them will also do well in partial shade with five to six hours of direct sunlight. The soil should drain quickly, because flowering bulbs cannot survive where the soil drains slowly. Most bulbs will thrive in soil with a pH that ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, although this varies depending on the species. You should test the soil pH prior to planting the bulbs, and make the appropriate amendments. The soil should be amended with well-aged manure, compost or leaf mold prior to planting. The organic matter should be worked into the soil to a depth of 8 inches. Mix a fertilizer with a 5-10-10 or 5-10-5 ratio into the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches at a rate of 1/2 pound for 50 square feet.

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