Winter can be a tough time to get some color in our yards as many plants shed their leaves to begin their winter naps. But there are a few things that you can plant now for early spring/late winter flowers: bulbs! Houston’s hot and humid climate requires some special care when planting these beautiful flowers but luckily, we have pretty mild winters. Here's a guide to help you successfully grow our four favorite bulbs this year.

Anemones

Anemones are delicate flowers that thrive in cooler temperatures, so timing is key when planting them in Houston.

• When to Plant: October-November is ideal for planting anemones, allowing them to establish before the heat of summer.

• Soil: Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. If you have heavy clay soil, amend it with organic matter like compost.

• Sunlight: Anemones grow best in full sun to partial shade.

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season, but avoid overwatering.

• Tips: Anemones really dislike the heat, thus fall planting ensures they bloom beautifully in spring before the summer temperatures hit.

Alliums (Onions & Garlic)

Alliums add a dramatic flair to your garden with their globe-like blooms and tall stems. They’re slightly more heat-tolerant than anemones and ranunculus, so you can get them in the garden a little bit earlier in the fall. Bonus: you can cook with them when they mature!

• When to Plant: Plant alliums in October-November for spring blooms.

• Soil: Make sure you have well-draining soil to prevent rot. Adding compost or sand to heavy soil can help improve drainage.

• Sunlight: Full sun is perfect for alliums.

• Watering: Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

• Tips: Alliums need a cool period to trigger blooming, so fall planting is crucial.

Ranunculus

Known for their lush, rose-like blooms, ranunculus thrive in mild, cool weather—perfect for planting in Houston’s fall season.

• When to Plant: November-December is the best time for ranunculus, ensuring they bloom in the cooler months of spring.

• Soil: Like anemones, ranunculus needs well-draining soil rich in organic material.

• Sunlight: They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

• Watering: Keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can cause the bulbs to rot.

• Tips: Houston’s hot summers can be tough on ranunculus, so don’t plant them too early in the fall or they may not bloom.

Paperwhites

Paperwhites are such a beautiful little flower and they smell so sweet. This makes them a popular choice for winter blooms that can be grown both indoors and outdoors in Houston.

• When to Plant: You can plant paperwhites from fall to early winter (November-December).

• Soil: Well-drained soil is a must for paperwhites, as they don’t tolerate soggy conditions.

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade works best for them.

• Watering: Water regularly, but let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

• Tips: Paperwhites are heat-tolerant and can easily adapt to Houston’s mild winters, giving you lovely blooms during the cooler months.

General Tips for Growing Bulbs in Houston

Houston's hot summers and humid conditions can be challenging, but with the right timing and care, you can enjoy a beautiful garden full of flowers all Spring. Here are a few extra tips to get you growing:

• Plant in Fall: All of these flowers do best when planted in the fall (October -December), giving them time to establish before the intense summer heat.

• Mulching: Blooms will die back once it starts getting warm again in the spring. Adding a layer of mulch will help conserve moisture and keep the roots cool during warmer months.

• Ensure Good Drainage: Since bulbs are susceptible to rot, especially in Houston’s humid climate, ensure your soil drains well. Raised beds or containers can also help with drainage. If you need a raised bed, we can help you!

• Water Wisely: Regular watering is important, but be careful not to overwater, which can lead to root and bulb rot.

With a little bit of planning, you can successfully grow these stunning flowers in your Houston garden, bringing bursts of color and beauty to your landscape each year.

Happy planting!