Which Bulbs to Plant and When

A:Hello Judy,

As long as the ground is not frozen (or too soggy) there is plenty of time to plant bulbs in Wisconsin and Charlotte as well.  It is critical to note on the packaging the northern-most USDA zone your plants will tolerate. Click on this link for the USDA hardiness zone map http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html  

You wouldn't want to start any bulbs indoors unless you are planning to keep them indoors such as  Hyacinths, Paperwhite Narcissus or Amaryllis. Here is a list of bulbs that will be hardy for your state and Charlotte too.  A quick Internet search for each of these bulbs will provide you with information on planting and care.

For Spring
Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow) – Hardy to Zone 3
Galanthus (Snowdrop) – Hardy to Zone 3
Eranthis (Winter Aconite) – Hardy to Zone 4

Hyacinthus (Hyacinth) – Hardy to Zone 3
Muscari (Grape Hyacinth) – Hardy to Zone 3
Narcissus (Daffodil) – Hardy to Zone 4
Tulipa (Tulip)-this would be treated as an annual in the south – Hardy to Zone 3
Crocus (Crocus) – Hardy to Zone 3
Anemone (Windflower) – Hardy to Zone 4
Scilla (Bluebell) – Hardy to Zone 3

Allium (Allium) – Hardy to Zone 5
Convallaria (Lily of the Valley) – Hardy to Zone 3
Trillium (Wood Lily) – Hardy to Zone 5

Early-to-Mid Summer Blooms:
Iris (Iris) a rhizome, really – Hardy to Zone 4
Hemerocallis (Daylily) not a true bulb, but easy to grow – Hardy to Zone 4
Lilium (Lily) – Hardy to Zone 4

Autumn Blooms

Colchicum (Meadow saffron) – Hardy to Zone 5