Spring transplanting of flowering bulbs is possible, though autumn is the optimal time because bulbs are fully dormant then. Moving bulbs in spring requires careful attention to the plant’s current growth phase. The timing and method directly affect the bulb’s ability to store energy for next year’s bloom cycle. While moving a bulb during active growth is always a risk, following specific guidelines increases the chances of success in the new location.
Determining the Bulb’s Current Phase
Successful spring transplanting depends on correctly identifying the bulb’s stage of development. Spring-flowering bulbs are typically in one of three states: actively growing, actively storing energy, or fully dormant. The presence or absence of green foliage is the most reliable indicator of the correct relocation technique.
If the bulb is blooming or has vibrant green leaves, it is actively growing and requires the highest level of care. If the foliage is beginning to yellow, the bulb has finished flowering and is in its critical energy-storage period. Full dormancy is indicated when the foliage has completely died back and disappeared.
Transplanting Actively Growing Bulbs
Moving actively growing bulbs, often called moving “in the green,” is an emergency measure carrying the highest risk. This method is used when the bulb is flowering or has full green foliage and cannot wait until later. The primary goal is minimizing shock to the root system.
To achieve this, dig a wide perimeter, six to eight inches out, to lift the entire root ball intact. Use a garden fork instead of a shovel to reduce the chance of slicing the bulb or roots. The bulb and surrounding soil should be moved as a single mass immediately to its new, pre-dug location.
Once replanted, remove the flower head (deadhead) to redirect energy away from seed production. The leaves must remain for photosynthesis, but cutting the flower forces the plant to focus on root establishment and energy storage. This process is highly stressful, and the relocated bulb may experience accelerated dieback of its foliage.
Relocating Bulbs After Flowering
The safest time for spring transplanting is shortly after blooms fade and the foliage begins to yellow. This timing is ideal because the fading leaves still mark the bulb, and the plant is nearing the end of its energy-gathering cycle. Yellowing leaves signal that the plant has collected most of the carbohydrates required for next year’s bloom.
This method involves gently lifting the entire clump, similar to the “in the green” technique, but a perfectly intact root ball is less critical. After lifting, allow the foliage to fully yellow and dry out while attached to the bulb, permitting maximum nutrient transfer. Bulbs can be immediately replanted or, once the foliage is withered, cleaned and stored until autumn.
When replanting, place the bulb at a depth two to three times its height. Dividing overcrowded clumps before replanting is also advisable, as this revitalizes the bulbs and encourages vigorous growth.
Post-Transplant Care and Future Blooms
The period immediately following transplanting focuses on recovery and preparing the bulb for its next dormant cycle. Thorough watering is required immediately after the move to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Consistent moisture is necessary for the next few weeks to support root re-establishment, but avoid waterlogging the area.
It is necessary to leave any remaining foliage until it has completely turned brown and can be easily pulled away. This yellow-to-brown stage is when the bulb draws energy from the leaves and stores starches, determining the size and quality of the following year’s flower. Premature removal interrupts this crucial energy transfer.
Fertilization can support recovery, but select a low-nitrogen formula, such as 5-10-5, applied lightly to the soil surface. High-nitrogen fertilizers promote leaf growth at the expense of bulb development. Due to the stress of being moved, transplanted bulbs often skip flowering the following season to conserve energy and establish a robust root system.