Why Snow is Good for Spring Bulbs
In many parts of the country, it’s been an unusually cold and snowy winter. While we have been busy shoveling sidewalks and warming cold fingers, it’s comforting to know that the flower bulbs in our gardens have been perfectly happy. Snow is good for spring bulbs!
Early-blooming miniature daffodil Tete a Tete
Snow functions like an insulating blanket, protecting bulbs from extreme cold. Without a layer of snow to insulate the soil, frost can penetrate from several inches deep to as much as 3 feet deep in the coldest areas. So, while you may think a snowy winter will be followed by a late spring, the opposite is actually more likely. After a snowy winter, there’s usually very little frost in the ground.
Here’s another good thing about a snowy winter. As the snow melts, it hydrates the soil. This ensures spring bulbs have access to the moisture they need to produce strong roots, lush foliage and sturdy flowers.
Crocus Pickwick pushing up through the snow.
How Bulbs Prepare for Spring
Spring-blooming bulbs are dormant during the summer months. If you were to dig them up, you’d see no roots or shoots. Just sleeping bulbs. In the fall, the bulbs wake up just enough to sprout roots, which they need to get through the winter.
As winter comes on and soil temperatures fall below 40°F, the bulbs enter another phase. This is the winter chilling period that is essential for proper flower development. Some types of bulbs require longer chilling periods than others. For crocus, it’s 12 weeks. For tulips it’s usually 15-16 weeks. This is the minimum amount of chilling that’s required. Longer is fine.
In late winter, bulbs begin the last phase of their annual growth cycle. Lengthening days and gradually rising soil temperatures send a message that it’s time to begin converting stored carbohydrates into sugars. This transition causes the leaves and flowers to begin growing and start pushing their way up to greet the sun.
Spring-Blooming Bulbs Don’t Mind the Cold
Sometimes a midwinter thaw will get this last phase started prematurely. It can be worrying to see bulbs sprouting a month or more before they should. But spring bulbs are incredibly cold tolerant. You can expect both flowers and foliage to survive temperatures into the teens. Even several inches of snow won’t stop them.
If you’re a winter-weary gardener counting the days to spring, there’s no need to worry about your bulbs. Under the snow and ice, spring-blooming bulbs are stirring from their slumber and beginning to head for the light. Hurry spring!
Spring-blooming bulbs are shipped during September, October and November. Shop HERE to reserve your favorites for fall shipping season.
What if i have to plant crocus in spring (s w montana )
Hi – Crocus bulbs are not available for sale in the spring — only in the fall. Do you mean you need to move your crocus crocus bulbs in the spring? If so, that’s fine. Just wait until they bloom and then move them right afterwards. Leave the foliage attached so the bulbs can continue growing after they have been moved.
It is Spring here in Ontario and my Alliums have two buds and many beautiful leaves. We are expecting a snowfall tonight. Should I cover them?
Hi Paige – Yes, it’s cold here in VT this weekend, too. Your alliums should be fine as they are very cold hardy. If you get lots of snow, some of the stems may get bent over, but covering them will probably do the same thing.
I covered my fresh starts of green from my bulbs I planted last fall. I did this because it got cold and snowed 5 inches. Now I have snow on top of the plastic and it is continuing to be predicted more snow and temperatures in the 20’s. It will get warm later this week, up to 50s during the day, 30 at night. I need some good advice please.
Thanks
We do not recommend covering plants with plastic. Shovel off the snow and remove the plastic so the plants don’t suffocate. Extremely cold temperatures and snow can damage the bulb’s foliage, but as long as the flower buds are below the soil surface, they will be fine. Spring-blooming bulbs are very tough!