Bulbs to plant now for summer

It’s already March and I have bulbs on my mind. And not just the spring bulbs that greet me every morning as I take my customary garden stroll, coffee mug in hand, to take in the fragrance of hyacinths and daffodils. 

I’m talking about summer bulbs which, on cool March days, help me dream and scheme of a summer garden full of vibrant colors.

If you’re also itching to plant summer bulbs this March, here are eight of my favorites to get you started right away.  

1. Dahlias

I simply had to start with dahlias because, to me, they’re the quintessential summer blooms.

They start blooming in June and can keep blooming until the first frost.

Perennial bulbs to plant now

Last year, I cut the last dahlia for my vase in November. 

Dahlias grow from tender tubers, which means we have to plant them when the danger of frost has passed. Since I have a short growing season, I usually get a head start on my dahlias in pots, indoors.

I then transplant them in the garden once the danger of freezing ground is lower. 

If you’re planting large dahlia tubers (such as