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▶︎ Watch: Fall Bulb Planting

Fall is a great time to plant bulbs for spring beauty. In this webinar, you’ll learn essential tips on how to select the perfect bulbs, correctly plant them, and protect new plantings.

Planting spring-blooming bulbs in fall requires careful timing, with most needing 12–16 weeks of chilling to bloom well in spring. Good drainage, proper planting depth, and 4–6 hours of sunlight are key to healthy growth, though some bulbs tolerate shade. Gardeners should protect newly planted bulbs from rodents, rabbits, and other wildlife.

The following season, after flowering, foliage should be left to die back naturally so bulbs can store energy for the next season. Over time, dividing crowded bulbs helps maintain vigor and ensures strong blooms year after year.

Presented by Lisa Johnson, Horticulture Educator, UW-Madison Division of Extension Dane County

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