Gear Up for Fall Gardening

When we think of slipping on garden gloves and straw hats to spend some time outside gardening, we typically think of spring. However, savvy gardeners know plenty of gardening happens in the fall.

Denver Botanic Gardens offers its annual Fall Plant & Bulb Sale each September for this reason. This year’s sale takes place Friday and Saturday, September 24 and 25.

At the sale, hundreds of bulbs are available for purchase, from popular items like tulips and daffodils to unique and specialty bulbs, like the dramatic Eremurus, or foxtail lily. The Gardens’ horticulture staff are also onsite to offer tips and advice. 

In the Denver metro area, late September to mid-October is the ideal time to plant spring- and summer-blooming bulbs, when the soil is cool enough that it won’t “burn” the flower developing inside the bulb. It also gives the bulb time to get established before frost. 

Tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinth and many others, actually should be planted in the fall. This way, they get established in the soil and develop their root systems in preparation for spring blooming. These bulbs also need to be properly chilled, and that happens naturally while they are in the ground over the winter.

How to ensure success with your treasure trove of bulbs? Determine the sun, moisture, and soil conditions in the areas where you want to plant, and then purchase bulbs accordingly for the best performance and longevity. Be sure your soil drains well to prevent bulbs from rotting. If the soil is clay or otherwise not well-draining, amend the soil prior to planting. Once bulbs are planted, water them thoroughly. Then, cover the area with mulch to help protect the bulbs from temperature changes throughout the winter.

In addition to bulbs, at Fall Plant & Bulb Sale there will also be perennials and Grown at the Gardens plants for purchase. New this year are horticulturist-curated bulb bag designs and custom seed mixes. 

If you’re excited to get a jump on the sale, you can purchase tickets to attend the Preview Party, which will be held Thursday, September 23 from 4:30-7 p.m. This ensures you’ll shop the best selection. 

Fall Plant & Bulb Sale takes place at Denver Botanic Gardens, Sept. 24 & 25, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free admission and Gardens members get 10% off purchases. Learn more and get Preview Party tickets at botanicgardens.org.