Planting flower bulbs is a fantastic way to get the jump on spring gardening. If you plant bulbs in the fall, you’re guaranteeing color and life in your garden early in the spring, probably long before you’re able to go out and plant anything with your hands. So, what are some good cold hardy bulbs? Keep reading to learn more about growing bulbs in zone 5 and some of the best zone 5 flower bulbs.
Zone 5 Flower Bulbs
When it comes to cold-hardy bulbs, there are actually a number to choose from. Here are some of the most commonly planted bulbs for zone 5 gardens: Daffodil – Daffodil bulbs are a popular standard in most gardens. A wide variety of daffodils are available in shades of white, yellow, and orange and in all kinds of sizes. Plant your bulbs in the fall, pointy end up, twice as deep as the height of the bulb. Iris – This genus of flowers includes over 300 species, many of which will grow with no problem in zone 5. Plant iris bulbs in mid to late summer. Tulip – Tulip are very diverse and come in just about any color you could want. Plant tulip bulbs in late autumn for flowers the following spring. Lily – Lilies come in just about every color and variety you could want, and many are suitable to zone 5 gardening. When you plant your bulbs in the fall, thoroughly loosen the soil and work in plenty of organic material to ensure good drainage. Snowdrop – Snowdrop are some of the first flowers to emerge in the spring, often while there is still snow on the ground. The bulbs are usually sold green, or undried, so plant them in the fall immediately after you buy them for the best results. Hyacinth – These flowers are known mostly for their heavenly scent that’s associated so strongly with spring. Plant your hyacinth bulbs in early autumn to give the roots time to establish before the first frost. Crocus – The crocus is one of the earliest spring flowers to pop up in the garden. It’s also one of the hardiest, so zone 5 gardens are no problem for this bulb. This is just a short list to choose from. For more information about the best flower bulbs in your region, check with your local extension office.