Brrrrr ... Can I Still Plant Bulbs and Peonies?
As cold weather is arriving across the country, many growers express concern about the ground becoming too cold to plant fall bulbs and bare root peonies. Below are some guidelines for planting later in the season.
Before your bulbs or peonies arrive:
• Bulbs and peonies can be planted, as long as the ground isn’t frozen, and you are able to dig a hole/trench in the soil.
• Dig a planting trench or holes now, before the ground becomes too hard.
Once your bulbs or peonies arrive:
• Soak the bulbs for 30 minutes in water, preferably with an added product such as RootShield, which will improve the root systems.
• Soaking will soften the outer skins on bulbs and allow roots to develop easier.
• The water temperature is usually warmer than the soil and warms up the soil where the bulbs are planted.
• Loosen the soil on the bottom of the hole/trench.
• Place the presoaked bulb in the ground and cover with soil.
• Water as usual after planting.
Overall, plants don’t mind the cold. Only people and animals feel the “wind chill”.