Which spring-flowering bulbs do well in southern California?
(Read article summary)Fall is the time to plant daffodils, tulips, and other spring-flowering bulbs. Which ones will grow well in southern California, and which ones won't? Here are the answers and planting advice.
When the first days of September roll around, those of us in southern California know it’s time to forget about vacation, get the kids ready for school, and get back out in the garden and start the gardening chores for fall, winter, and spring. High on that list is fall bulb planting.
Bulbs to be planted in fall include narcissus, trumpet daffodils, Dutch iris, maybe some species tulips depending on where we live, and many of the small bulbs, such as scilla, oxalis, ranunculus, anemone, and freesia, to name a few of the important ones.
Which bulbs where in southern California
Depending on where you live in SoCal, you can also plant hyacinths, the tall tulips, crocus, and other bulbs that appreciate a colder winter.
The first consideration is buying good-looking bulbs — pass on those that look dried out, are mushy or soft, and any that look as if they have any fungus growing on them.
Mail-order houses usually supply good bulbs, but some may not. The advantage of mail order is that the selection is great. You get what you see at the big box stores, and the choice is limited.
