Plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs based on your climate and zone. Ideally, plant them in the fall, from late September to early December. In cooler zones (3-7), plant from late September to October for root establishment before freezing. In warmer zones (8+), planting can extend to November or December. These bulbs need the cooler winter months for a chilling period essential for spring blooms. Tulip bulbs become available as early as late summer, so plant them as soon as possible after purchase. Hyacinths can be planted through fall, even into late November or December in milder climates.

Tulips offer a stunning variety of colors and shapes, from traditional reds and yellows to bicolors and more exotic varieties. Blooming times vary, with tulips flowering from early spring through May. Hyacinths, once only in blue, white, yellow, and pink, now come in more colors. Varieties like orange (‘Sweet Invitation’), peach (‘Gypsy Queen’), and many blues (‘Royal Purple,’ ‘Delph,’ ‘Blue Jacket,’ ‘Miss Saigon’) bring new choices for gardeners.

Plant Tulip and Hyacinths bulbs at a depth of 2 to 6 inches, depending on your climate zone. In warmer areas, plant them shallower and treat them as annuals, making them easier to remove after blooming. To enhance the garden’s appearance, over plant the bulbs with Violas or Alyssum, or seed with Forget-Me-Nots. These annuals not only add beauty but also hide the browning foliage of bulbs as it dies back over the summer.

By choosing the right planting time and depth for Tulip and Hyacinths bulbs, and pairing bulbs with complementary flowers, you can create a garden filled with vibrant, long-lasting color. Tulips and hyacinths, with their expanded range of colors, make it easy to design a garden that offers fresh blooms and beauty through spring and beyond.