Unseasonal sprouting: How to safeguard your early blooms
Spring is the time when nature comes back to life. Although the first flowers usually appear around March and April, if the temperatures are high, we might see sprouting bulbs at the beginning of the year. What should we do then?
When winter brings temperatures above freezing, flower bulbs may start to sprout earlier. We can notice the first green stems even in December, January, or February. Should we be worried about this? Here's what we should do.
Premature sprouting. Take action immediately
In winter, crocuses, snowdrops, or hellebores may start sprouting in the garden. If we notice them, let's check the temperature. If it doesn't drop below 23 degrees Fahrenheit, we don’t need to do anything—the plants will manage independently. After all, early spring often brings light frosts, which bulb plants handle without significant issues.
However, if lower temperatures are forecasted, let's decide on one of the following covering methods.
If the bulbs are at risk of freezing, purchase insulating materials that will protect them from harsh frosts. We can also use "plant waste" found in our garden. In this case, agrotextile, compost, peat, spruce or pine bark, hay, or chopped straw work well, as do shredded branches of coniferous trees. We can also protect the plants using buckets or pots to cover the sprouts.
It is important not to dig up the bulbs or cut their sprouts. Otherwise, our actions may hinder the growth of the plants.
