Plant Now, Bloom Later: Our Favorite Fall Bulbs for a Beautiful Spring
As the crispness of fall settles into our high desert mornings and the golden hues begin to sweep across Central Oregon, it’s easy to think the gardening season is winding down. But in truth, this is when the magic begins — underground.
Right now, our garden market is brimming with promise: tulips, daffodils, allium, iris, crocus, and narcissus — all waiting patiently to be tucked into the cool autumn soil. These fall bulbs may not offer instant gratification, but come spring, they’ll be the first to awaken your garden with color, joy, and that fresh-start feeling we all crave after a long winter.
It’s one of the most common things we hear in April and May:
“Where are all the tulip bulbs?”
And every time, we wish we could go back in time and whisper:
“You plant those in the fall, friend.”
If you’ve never planted bulbs before, don’t worry — it’s simpler than it seems. Think of it as planting a little hope. You dig a small hole, drop in a bulb (pointy side up!), cover it back up, and let the seasons do the rest. The cold of winter is exactly what these bulbs need to rest and root, ready to bloom when the timing is just right.
A Few of Our Favorite Tulip Varieties This Season:
White Emperor – Classic, graceful, and pure. A tulip that looks like it stepped right out of a storybook.
Carnival de Rio – Bold red and white streaks that feel like a celebration.
Firecracker – With fiery tones and an energetic shape, this one lives up to its name.
We’ve also curated some stunning blends for easy, harmonious planting — perfect if you want a mix of colors and textures without the guesswork.
And it’s not just tulips — don’t overlook the sculptural beauty of allium, the early charm of crocus, or the timeless grace of daffodils and narcissus. These are the bulbs that will greet you as soon as the snow melts and the days grow longer.
Allium: High Desert Beauty That Deer Tend to Avoid
If you’ve battled with deer in your garden (and haven’t we all?), you’ll be glad to know that allium is one fall bulb they tend to leave alone. These sculptural, globe-shaped flowers belong to the onion family — and apparently, deer don’t have a taste for onions!
Aside from being deer-resistant, allium offers a show-stopping statement in the garden. Their tall stems and perfectly round blooms add a touch of whimsy and structure that lasts well into early summer.
We’re especially excited to bring in:
Globemaster – The king of the alliums! Huge, violet-purple spheres that float above the garden on sturdy stems.
Starlight Blend – A soft, dreamy mix of white and pale lavender varieties that glow beautifully in evening light.
Allium thrives here in Central Oregon’s climate — they love full sun and well-drained soil, just like most of us do out here.
Tips for Central Oregon Bulb Planting:
Plant before the ground freezes, ideally by mid-to-late October.
Choose well-draining soil. (We’re in the high desert, after all.)
Add a little bulb food or compost when planting — a small gesture that goes a long way.
Water in after planting, then let the winter moisture do its job.
There’s something deeply comforting about planting in the fall — it’s a reminder that even as the days grow shorter, we’re already preparing for brighter ones ahead.
So come by Schilling’s Garden Market this week, breathe in that earthy fall air, and pick up a little bundle of spring. Your future self — coffee mug in hand, marveling at the blooms come April — will thank you.