Are Early Flowering Plants Safe – What To Do About Plants Flowering Early
Plants flowering early is a normal phenomenon in California and other mild winter climates. Manzanitas, magnolias, plums and daffodils typically show off their colorful blossoms as early as February. It is an exciting time of year signaling the upcoming end of winter. But bulbs sprouting in winter isn’t normal in the cold winter climates of the East Coast, Midwest and the South. Are early flowering plants safe? What happens when it freezes again? Will the plants be permanently damaged? Will they bloom? People wonder how to protect plants that sprout early.
Flowers Blooming too Early
Climate is the major reason for plants flowering early. If the soil and air temperatures are above average for an extended period of time, leaf and flower buds may sprout ahead of schedule. Installing bulbs too shallow is another reason for bulbs sprouting in winter. The rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth that is three times their size. A 1” bulb should be planted 3” deep. If you don’t plant your bulbs deep enough, they may sprout early. Bulbs need cool winter night temperatures that are consistently in 40s F. (4-9 C.) when they are installed. If they planted too early, you might see bulbs sprouting in winter as well.
What to Do About Plants Flowering Early
Bulbs sprouting in winter can be problematic in the short run but is not a long term problem. If there is only a bit of green leaves emerging from the soil and frost damages the leaves, the bulb will form additional leafy stocks later in the season. If there is significant green growth or the buds have formed, you need to take action before it freezes again. Add extra mulch, cover up the plant with cartons, or place sheeting over the foliage to help protect these bulbs from frost or freeze damage. If truly nasty weather is coming your way and the plant has already started to blossom, you can cut the flowers and bring them inside. At least you’ll get to enjoy them. Bulbs are hardy. Even if you lose the entire top of the plant, the bulb itself will be okay nestled deep in the soil. The bulbs will come back to life the following year.
How to Protect Plants That Sprout Early
Are early flowering plants safe? For perennials and woody flowering shrubs, you need to know how to protect plants that sprout early. Like bulbs, you can cover up the plants with a lightweight tarp or sheet when severe cold weather. This will hopefully save the blossoms. Adding more mulch always helps to keep the soil warm. Spring blooming plants have a certain amount of energy allocated for flowers and fruit formation. If you completely lose the blossoms, more flowers may form but the display will be smaller and less impressive. Losing the buds or the blooms to freezing temperatures won’t typically kill a healthy plant. These plants are adapted to winter climates. They will recover their blooming capacity the following year.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Karen Boness is the founder of Wild Willow Design, an Australia-based company that specializes in ecological landscape design.
-
5 Low-Maintenance Plants & Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning To Look Their Best
By Teo Spengler
-
6 Fall Lawn Care Tasks To Prioritize Before Winter – Plus When To Make The Last Cut
Use our guide to prepare your lawn for its winter slumber, and it will awaken in spring with lush, verdant grass you can be proud of.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
20 Hard-to-Find Spring Flowers & Plants That Look Amazing All Season
It’s finally beginning to look like spring! If you’re eager to find some unique, hard-to-find varietals to satisfy your spring fever, look here first.
By Caroline Bloomfield
-
How Wildflower Strips Help Attract Pollinators To Your Yard
If you have a small garden spot or strip available, fill it with wildflowers for our hungry pollinators. Click to learn more.
By Tonya Barnett
-
10 Knockout Native Flowers To Add A Punch Of Color To Your Garden
Growing native is the way to go. See our list of ten native wildflowers that will knock you out with color.
By Amy Grant
-
Pretty Plants For A Pastel Flower Bouquet
Roses aren’t the only romantic flower. Some romantic pastel flowers can fill in beautifully.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Soft Yellow Plants For A Sunny Pastel Garden
Click here for ideas on some pale yellow flower varieties for pastel garden designs.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Most Common Flower Color In The World
What are the most common and least common flower colors in the world? Click here to find out.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Pastel Plants For A Lovely, Light Purple Flower Garden
Click here for ideas on some light purple plants for a pretty, pastel garden display.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Plant Wildflower Seeds In Fall for A Stunning Spring Display
Can you plant wildflower seeds in fall? What makes fall the best time to sow wildflower seeds? Click here for more.
By Tonya Barnett