Want a garden that wakes up in color next spring? Start now. In the San Francisco East Bay, fall is prime time to tuck bulbs into beds and pots so they chill, root, and burst into bloom when days warm up—while also supporting local wildlife with Pollinator Plants.
Best Planting Window (East Bay)
Mid-October through early December is the sweet spot. Planting in this window gives bulbs enough cool weather to set roots and prep for a strong spring show.
Why Fall Works
Spring-blooming bulbs need a cold period to trigger flower production. Fall planting lets them settle in quietly over winter—then they explode with color in spring, with minimal effort from you.
Bulbs You’ll Love
- Tulips – A color-lover’s dream. Combine early, mid, and late varieties for a long season.
- Narcissus (Daffodils) – Easy, reliable, and usually deer-resistant; best in generous clumps.
- Hyacinths – Unbeatable fragrance; superb in containers; pollinators approve.
- Crocus – Early to bloom (often late winter); small but mighty bee-magnets.
- Freesia – Arching stems, perfumed blooms—container naturals.
- Ranunculus – Lush, layered flowers that also tempt hummingbirds and pollinators.
- Fritillaria (Persian lily) – Striking, bell-like flowers and typically deer-resistant.
Planting Bulbs In-Ground (Quick & Right)
- Pick Sun + Drainage
Choose a spot with 6+ hours of sun and soil that doesn’t stay soggy. - Prep Your Soil
Loosen and blend in compost. If you’ve got heavy clay, lighten with perlite, coarse sand, peat, or coir - Depth Rule
Plant bulbs 3× their height deep, pointy end up. (A 2" tulip = 6" deep.) - Water Once
Soak after planting to settle soil; then hold off—bulbs dislike waterlogging. - Mulch
A thin layer moderates temperature, holds moisture, and curbs weeds.
Planting Bulbs in Pots (Small Space, Big Impact)
- Container Choice
At least 12" deep with multiple drainage holes. - Potting Mix
Use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix; add a scoop of compost. - Layered “Bulb Lasagna”
Bottom: large bulbs (tulips, hyacinths)
Middle: medium (daffodils)
Top: small (crocus)
This stacks bloom times for a long, lush show. - Water + Mulch Cap
Water thoroughly once; finish with a light mulch. - Weather Protection
During harsh cold or heavy rain, slide pots against a wall or into a garage. Check occasionally and water only if dry.
Care Calendar
- Winter: If we hit a dry stretch, give bulbs a light drink.
- Spring: Enjoy the show! Snip spent flowers, but leave foliage until it yellows (it feeds next year’s blooms).
- After Bloom: Top-dress with compost and consider adding more Pollinator Plants to stretch nectar availability into summer.
Easy Design Pairings for Pollinators
- Daffodils + Salvia + Heuchera: Deer-resistant backbone + nectar-rich spikes.
- Tulips + Lavender + Creeping Thyme: Classic color with fragrant, pollinator-friendly borders.
- Hyacinths (pots) + Alyssum or Nemesia: Fragrance for you, early nectar for bees.
- Ranunculus + Anemone + Catmint (Nepeta): Cut flowers galore, continuous pollinator traffic.
Come See Us in San Leandro
Swing by Evergreen Nursery in San Leandro for fresh bulbs, mulch, containers, potting mixes, and a wide selection of Pollinator Plants to round out your spring display. We’ll help you pick the right combinations for your yard, balcony, or patio.
Plant Your Spring Bulbs Now
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