Cool Weather Gardens

Gardeners who live in northern parts of the country sometimes fall in love with flower varieties on this website and wonder about growing them in their areas.  This question pops up often.

If plants listed on EasytoGrowBulbs.com aren't hardy in your growing zone (see hardiness zone information for each variety), don't assume they're off limits.  For a single season of bloom, most of the bulbs here can be grown anywhere. 

Like favorite annuals - petunias, impatience, geraniums, etc. - these bulbs will grow, bloom and be glorious for one season.  And like annuals, many of the bigger, better bulbs sold here are very reasonably priced.

If you garden not too far beyond the recommended zones you may be pleasantly surprised to find that some varieties survive and thrive.  It happens all the time due to microclimates and tougher than expected bulbs. Or you can bring tender bulbs indoors, store them over the winter and replant in the spring.

For single season displays we recommend planting in the spring.  Bulbs put in the ground in the fall may not survive the cold winter temperature so wait for warmer weather before encouraging tender bulbs to sprout.