I didn't get tulips, but White Flower Farm sent me my order of daffodils, scilla, hyacinthoides and snowdrops a few days ago. I was very surprised they came so early; my Brent and Becky's bulb order is nowhere in sight.

I've already planted most of them, figuring that they should be OK in the ground where the soil temperature will be more constant. I worry more about holding them aboveground where the temperatures really fluctuate and there's the chance they may get wet (and rot).

Claire

I was wondering that, too! I have tulips, and daffodils and tried researching fall planting dates for my area(RI), but didn't have much luck. Only dates I could find were about 4-5 different freeze dates, but how do you know which ones are hard frosts? -or which ones to count your 6 week prior planting dates from? I'm really confused since I've never planted spring bulbs in fall.

I hope someone out there in the New England area can help. I'll keep checking for replies -good luck with your tulips!

-Susan

I would wait. Too early and you risk early sprouting. And there is a much greater window of opportunity on the other end than you might expect. You can plant up until the ground starts to freeze. Much later than the first frost or freeze date. Keep then as cool and dry as you can until the weather cools a bit more. At least around here it is still hot during the day. I wait for more of a nip in the air. Cooler weather is also better for the gardener working up a head of steam digging in NE rocky soil!

I bought a bunch of tulip bulbs at Christmas Tree Shops today. I plant to store them in my garage for about another month. In my mind I've always thought of Columbus Day weekend as the time to plant bulbs.