Bulbs for Central Florida Landscapes

Did you know that you can grow bulbs in central Florida? Central Florida gardeners can display bulbs year-round, which is different than the bulbs you may be familiar with if you have gardened up north. There are both tropical and subtropical bulbs that thrive in our landscapes if you install and maintain them following the Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles.

WHICH BULBS CAN WE GROW CENTRAL FLORIDA?

Plant tropical bulbs in the spring and summer months. This includes caladiums, cannas, and crinum lilies. In the spring, plant once the soil is warm (generally when soil temperatures reach 60–70°F) and they will grow through summer and into the fall. These bulbs can also be started early in containers before temperatures warm if you want a jump-start on your spring landscape.

This fall you can plant spring-flowering bulbs such as gladiolus, amaryllis, and society garlic.

Caladiums are a garden favorite and can be planted both in the ground or in containers. They die back in the winter but can be left in the ground to reemerge in the spring. Typically, they will not be as showy the following year, so you may need to supplement with additional bulbs. Caladium tubers perform best when planted in April through September.

Rain lilies will also grow both in containers and in the ground. If planted in the lawn, be careful not to cut off the leaves as they provide energy for the next bloom. The flowers are triggered by the first rain after a dry period, and they will naturalize freely.

Blood lilies are an old pass-along plant, shared from neighbor to neighbor, although they are occasionally sold in stores. They require full shade and multiply freely, dying back in the winter. They provide huge impact when planted in large groupings. There are also bulbs that can be planted year-round such as agapanthus, blackberry lily, society garlic, and both African and walking iris.

WHAT DO BULBS NEED TO THRIVE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA YARDS?

Most bulbs prefer full sun to partial shade. Caladiums do well in shade or filtered light and are a great option for shady beds but with numerous varieties there are even sun-loving caladiums available.

Amaryllis and crinum lily do well in sun to partial shade gardens. They are a nice choice for under the cover of large trees.

Grow bulbs in well-drained soil and add compost or organic matter to the landscape beds at the time of planting.

Planting depths and spacing are important for successful bulbs. Plant bulbs with the shoulder of the bulb at or slightly above soil level for many tropical bulbs. For example, amaryllis often have the top 1/3 of the bulb above the soil. For smaller bulbs, follow the guideline of roughly 2–3 times the bulb height in depth. For caladiums, plant tubers “eye” up, shallowly (about 2 inches), and 8–12 inches apart.

Watering, fertilizing, and maintenance are critical for a healthy bulb display. Newly planted bulbs need consistent moisture until they are established. After growth begins, adjust watering for the species — for example, caladiums like moist but not saturated soil, while many dormant bulbs tolerate drier conditions during dormancy.

A balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting and periodic feeding during the growing season will improve bulb vigor and flowering. Incorporating organic matter at planting will get your bulbs off on the right foot.

Finally, dividing bulbs is an important maintenance practice. Many bulbs (crinum, agapanthus, amaryllis) multiply and may need division every few years to prevent crowding and encourage larger blooms. Fall is a good time to divide your garden bulbs. Simply separate the “baby bulbs” or cut bulbs into wedges as appropriate for the type of plant.

SOME FINAL TIPS

Pests and disease can be an issue, but can be minimized with proper maintenance. Warm, wet soils promote bulb rot. Plant bulbs when soil isn’t cold and wet to ensure good drainage. Avoid overwatering dormant bulbs.

Slugs, snails, and bulb-feeding insects can be issues for some species; deer and rodents may dig or feed on bulbs. Contact your UF/IFAS Extension Plant Clinic for management solutions.

Finally, remember to select region-appropriate varieties. Choose cultivars and species recommended for central Florida to ensure success and a beautiful display of bulbs in your central Florida yard.

For more information on bulbs contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas. ufl.edu/polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are interested in purchasing a garden journal, contact the Plant Clinic. If you are not in Polk County, Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic.

To learn more about gardening and landscaping in central Florida, listen to the Your Central Florida Yard podcast. You can find the podcast wherever you listen or find out more on our Substack: substack.com/@ yourcentralfloridayard. An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu.