Summer Bulbs: It's Not Too Late!

Summer bulbs are named as such because in New England we plant them in summer as opposed to fall. Summer bulbs go in the ground in warm weather. They aren’t meant for our variable climate and don’t typically survive the winter outdoors.

Living in Zone 6, however, doesn’t stop many of us from growing tender beauties such as Calla Lilies, Gladiolas, Agapanthus, Cannas (a tuber really), and Hymenocalis. Many gardeners already popped these bulbs in the ground in May or June. But that doesn’t mean it is too late to enjoy them if life through the 4th of July kept you too busy.  

Plant these bulbs now and you will still get a great show, just a little bit later. Pick some up at your local garden center or even crazy places like the Christmas Tree Shops. Chances are they have already started growing in the package. Plant them in pots or in the ground according to the bag’s directions. Place (most) in full sun, water and watch.

I prefer my summer bulbs planted “en masse”, packed in tight for a big punch of color. It is fun too, however, to sprinkle them amongst potted annuals and perennial gardens as surprise visitors.

Transfer summer bulbs to a protected area before the first hard fall frost by either moving pots into the garage/basement or digging them up and storing them using the same method shown in the How-to Video – . Or if that is too much trouble, abandon the bulbs outside and buy again next year.