Potted Spring Bulbs Sprouting In November

Question

I\’m in zone 8b. On 10/22/23 I planted a \”lasagne style\” bulb pot: bottom layer is daffodils, middle layer is tulips and top layer is muscari & iris reticulata. Per the videos I watched, I watered the pot and put in it the shade in the coolest protected area of my property. The videos said to check & water as needed every 2 weeks. So far, I have had to lightly water it every week, as the top few inches has dried out and I don\’t want the top bulbs to die. It\’s gotten into the low 70\’s but has yet to freeze overnight. Today I discovered a few sprouts (not sure which bulbs) that I wasn\’t expecting until Spring. Am I doing something wrong? What can I do to prevent them from dying once it freezes? The videos said to move the pot into the sun once sprouts grow, but I\’m afraid that will make all of the bulbs to sprout too early. Help!! Thanks! Sharon Brown

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Answer 1

This may be due to warmer temperatures in your area. In Zone 8b, daffodils generally exit dormancy in late winter to early spring, followed by tulips and muscari. Iris reticulata tends to emerge early in the year, often in late winter. The exact timing can vary based on local conditions and weather fluctuations.

This is usually handled by letting nature take its course.

This collection of articles will offer information on bulb care:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen