***This article was written by Angela Mason Foster, Beaufort County Volunteer Master Gardener***

As the dog days of summer give way to the gentler days of early fall, it’s time for Eastern North Carolina gardeners to start thinking ahead—way ahead—to the first cheerful blooms of spring. While it may feel early, autumn is the ideal season to plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, and yes, even tulips.

These bulbs require a period of cool dormancy in order to bloom, which is why planting them in fall allows them to settle in, establish roots, and then lie dormant until warmer soil temperatures signal it’s time to grow. If you’re craving a colorful early spring garden, the work begins now.

Choose the Right Bulbs for Our Climate

Not all bulbs thrive equally in Eastern North Carolina’s mild winters and sometimes unpredictable spring weather. Daffodils (Narcissus) are by far the most reliable and low-maintenance option. They multiply over time, are deer- and rodent-resistant, and don’t require any chilling or pre-treatment. Look for varieties like ‘Carlton’ or ‘Thalia’ for classic spring beauty.

Hyacinths, crocus, and Dutch iris also perform well here, adding vibrant pops of color and fragrance to borders and beds. These bulbs appreciate well-drained soil and benefit from full to part sun locations.

Tulips, on the other hand, can be a bit tricky in our region. They require a longer chilling period than our soil temperatures often provide. If you want tulips, purchase pre-chilled bulbs (or chill them yourself in a fridge—not near fruit—for 8–10 weeks), then plant them in December. Treat them as annuals here, as they rarely return reliably in subsequent years.

Timing, Depth, and Soil Prep

Aim to plant bulbs when soil temperatures have cooled to around 60°F—typically from mid-October through early December in our region. Planting too early may encourage premature growth, which can lead to frost damage.

Most bulbs prefer loose, well-draining soil. Heavy clay soils common in some parts of Eastern NC can lead to rot. To improve drainage, mix in compost, pine fines, or even a little coarse sand at the planting site. Avoid adding high-nitrogen fertilizer at planting; bulbs are storage organs and don’t need a nutrient-rich environment to begin rooting.

Follow this general rule for depth: plant bulbs 2–3 times as deep as they are tall, measured from the base of the bulb. Daffodils, for example, are usually planted 6–8 inches deep, while smaller crocus may be planted just 3–4 inches down. Space bulbs 2–6 inches apart, depending on their mature size and the effect you want—closer spacing creates a fuller early display.

Naturalize with Ease

Bulbs don’t just belong in tidy flower beds. Many species—especially daffodils and crocus—naturalize beautifully, meaning they’ll return and spread year after year without much effort.

To naturalize bulbs in lawns, plant early bloomers like crocus or small-flowered daffodils that finish blooming before you need to start mowing in spring. Scatter bulbs randomly for a more natural look, then dig holes where they fall or use a bulb auger for quick planting.

Woodland edges and the base of deciduous trees also make ideal naturalizing spots, since the bulbs will get full sun in late winter before trees leaf out. Be sure the area doesn’t stay soggy, and steer clear of planting in low-lying wet spots.

Winning the War on Squirrels and Voles

Few things are more frustrating than discovering your freshly planted bulbs have become critter snacks. Daffodils, alliums, and snowdrops are naturally pest-resistant due to their alkaloids—planting these in combination with more vulnerable bulbs can act as a deterrent.

For tulips, crocus, and hyacinths, consider placing chicken wire over the planting bed and covering it with soil and mulch; roots and shoots will grow through, but squirrels can’t dig them up. Alternatively, planting bulbs in mesh bulb cages or plastic nursery pots (buried flush with the soil) can deter voles.

Avoid using bone meal as a soil amendment when planting bulbs—it attracts animals rather than deterring them. Instead, sprinkle crushed oyster shells or a sprinkle of sharp gravel into each planting hole to discourage tunneling pests.

Finishing Touches

Once planted, top-dress with mulch to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. Water the area well after planting, then let nature take its course. Most bulbs don’t require irrigation over the winter unless conditions are unusually dry.

Come spring, you’ll be rewarded with a colorful burst of blooms at a time when the rest of the garden is just beginning to wake up. And with smart planning now, you can extend that blooming season with early, mid, and late-season bulb varieties that flower in succession from February through April.

Suggested Reading:

• Bulbs for the South by Scott Ogden
• A Gardener’s Guide to Bulbs by Christine Skelmersdale
• NC State Extension publication: Spring Flowering Bulbs

If you have questions about your home garden or landscape, reach out to Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252) 946-0111. Master Gardeners are available on the Greenline Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to assist with your horticultural needs. Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for additional resources.