When To Plant Bulbs In Washington State

Knowing when to plant bulbs in Washington State is the first step to a spectacular spring garden. Our unique climate, split by the Cascade Mountains, means timing is everything for those optimal spring blooms.

Plant too early, and a warm fall might spur growth that gets zapped by winter. Plant too late, and the roots won’t have time to establish before the ground freezes. This guide will walk you through the perfect schedule for your region, from the rainy west to the sunny east.

For most Washington gardeners, the golden rule is to get bulbs in the ground in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the ground typically freezes. This gives the bulbs time to develop a strong root system without sending up shoots. Let’s break it down by region.

Western Washington Planting Window

West of the Cascades, the maritime climate is mild and wet. The ground rarely freezes solid, but the damp cold is a factor.

Best Time: Late October through mid-November.
Why: Soil temperatures have cooled sufficiently from summer heat, but it’s not yet the coldest, wettest part of winter. Planting in November allows for good root development.
Special Note for Early Bulbs: If you’re planting tulips, which prefer colder soil, you can wait until late November or even early December. This can also help avoid a fungal disease called tulip fire.

Eastern Washington Planting Window

East of the mountains, the climate is continental—colder winters and hotter summers with less rainfall.

Best Time: Mid-September through October.
Why: Frost and ground freeze come much earlier here. Getting bulbs planted by mid-October ensures they are snug in the ground before the hard winter sets in.
Special Note for Cold Areas: In higher elevation zones, aim for September planting. A good layer of winter mulch (like straw or leaves) applied after the ground chills is highly recommended to prevent frost heave.

A Bulb-by-Bulb Timeline

While the regional windows above are perfect for most common bulbs, some have specific preferences.

Daffodils & Narcissus: Plant these early in your fall window. They appreciate more time for root growth.
Crocus, Muscari, & Snowdrops: These small, early bloomers are hardy and can be planted throughout the fall window.
Tulips & Hyacinths: Plant these last, especially in western WA. They prefer colder soil and later planting can help prevent disease.
Alliums: These can be planted in late fall, often at the same time as tulips.

How to Plant Your Bulbs for Success

Timing is half the battle. Proper planting technique ensures your bulbs have the energy to burst forth in spring.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Almost all spring-blooming bulbs demand well-drained soil. They will rot in soggy ground. Most also need full sun to partial shade. Check the specific needs for your bulb variety, as some (like bluebells) tolerate more shade.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Washington’s clay-heavy soils, particulary in the west, need amending for drainage.

Dig the planting area to a depth of about 12 inches.
Mix in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure. You can also add a handful of bone meal or a balanced, slow-release bulb fertilizer into the bottom of the planting hole.
If drainage is very poor, consider planting in raised beds or mounds.

Step 3: Master the Depth and Spacing

The old adage is reliable: plant bulbs at a depth three times their height.

A 2-inch tall daffodil bulb gets planted about 6 inches deep.
A small crocus bulb, only 1 inch tall, goes about 3 inches deep.
Space bulbs about 2-3 bulb widths apart for a natural look. For a formal display, you can space them more evenly.

Step 4: Planting and Aftercare

Place each bulb in the hole with the pointy end up. If you can’t tell, plant it on its side; the stem will find its way up.
Backfill with soil and gently firm it down to remove air pockets.
Water the area thoroughly after planting. This settles the soil and triggers root growth. Continue to water if the fall is unusually dry.
Apply a light layer of mulch after the ground gets cold to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Special Considerations for Washington Gardeners

Our local wildlife and weather patterns present unique challenges.

Deer and Rodent Resistance

If deer or squirrels are a problem in your area, choose bulbs they tend to avoid. Daffodils, alliums, snowdrops, and muscari are generally left alone. Tulips and crocuses, unfortunately, are like candy. You can lay chicken wire over the planted area or use a repellent.

Dealing with Wet Winters

Western Washington’s relentless rain is the biggest threat to bulbs. Beyond improving soil drainage, consider these tips:

Plant on a slope or in a raised bed if possible.
In heavy clay, create a “grit pocket” by putting a handful of sand or fine gravel under each bulb at planting.
Don’t overwater in the fall; let nature do its thing unless it’s a drought.

What If You Miss the Fall Window?

Life gets busy. If you find unplanted bulbs in December or January, don’t despair.

If the Ground is Workable: Plant them immediately! A late planting is far better than not planting at all. They may bloom a bit later or be shorter the first spring, but they will likely survive.
If the Ground is Frozen: You can try “forcing” the bulbs indoors in pots. Alternatively, store them in a cool, dark, dry place (like a garage) in a paper bag and plant them as early as you can work the soil in late winter. They may not bloom the first year but will likely recover for the following spring.

FAQ: Your Washington Bulb Questions Answered

Can I plant bulbs in the spring for spring blooms?

No. Spring-blooming bulbs require a long period of cold dormancy (winter chilling) to trigger blooming. Bulbs sold for spring planting are typically for summer blooms, like lilies or gladiolus.

Should I fertilize my bulbs?

Yes. The best time to fertilize is at planting time and then again when the green shoots first emerge in spring. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or one formulated for bulbs. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaf growth over flowers.

Do I need to dig up bulbs every year?

Most hardy bulbs (daffodils, crocus, alliums) can be left in the ground for years and will naturalize. Tulips are the exception; many varieties decline after a year or two, especially in our wet winters. Treating them as annuals or digging them up after foliage dies back to store dry for summer is often best for a consistant display.

What do I do after the flowers fade?

This is crucial! Do not cut down or braid the leaves. The foliage is photosynthesizing and sending energy back to the bulb for next year’s flower. Let the leaves turn completely yellow and wither before removing them. You can plant perennials around them to hide the fading foliage.

Can I plant bulbs under a deciduous tree?

Absolutely. This is an ideal spot. The bulbs will get full sun in early spring before the tree leafs out, and then be shaded during their summer dormancy. Just be careful not to damage tree roots when digging.

Getting your timing right with when to plant bulbs in Washington State makes all the difference. By following these regional schedules and planting tips, you’re setting the stage for a vibrant, colorful reward after the gray winter. With a little planning in the fall, your spring garden will be a joyful sight, full of the blooms you’ve been waiting for.