• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Planting-Bulbs-Deeper-Than-Recommended-THUMB.jpg

Planting Bulbs Deeper Than Recommended

I planted many bulbs this fall.  I read somewhere it was good to plant them deep.  So I planted them deeper than the package suggested.  Will this hurt?

Planting bulbs too deep can result in bulb rot and a bit of a delay in spring growth.  In general, plant bulbs a depth 2-3 times their vertical diameter.  In heavy clay soils keep bulbs within the top six inches of the soil.  This helps avoid rot caused by poor soil drainage.  You can plant bulbs deeper in sandy soils.  These better drained soils allow you to plant larger bulbs up to eight inches deep.  

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars

Jan. 28, 2026
FREE WEBINAR: 
Past, Present & Future of Mitchell Park and its Conservatory, the Domes  
Register here

Feb. 13 - 15, 2026
PBS Wisconsin
Garden & Green Living EXPO

Madison, WI
More information

Feb. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR: 
Plants that Go the Distance
Register here

Feb. 25, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Flowering Houseplants

Register here

Mar. 5, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Start New Plants from Seeds, Cuttings and More

Register here

Mar. 11, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Save Money & Boost Your Growing Success with Bare Root Plants

Register here

Mar. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Patio, Deck and Balcony Gardens

Register here

March 26, 2026
FREE WEBINAR: 
Getting Started Growing Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter for the chance to win a Milwaukee Domes Alliance membership & merchandise!

ENTER NOW