Order Bulbs NOW: Unlock Next Spring’s Spectacular Blooms
Plant Fall Bulbs Now for a Colorful Spring: Your Guide to the Spokane Master Gardener Bulb Sale
Why Plant Bulbs in the Fall?
Imagine planting a little "surprise package" in the ground before winter. That’s what a bulb is! You tuck it into the soil in autumn, it sleeps under the snow all winter, and then—pop!—it wakes up early spring to paint your yard with color.
Important Point
Timing is everything. Bulbs need the cold winter sleep to bloom. In the Spokane area, the perfect planting window is late September through October. If you wait until spring, the "surprise packages" won’t work!
This is especially meaningful for areas hit by wildfires. Planting bulbs in burn scars is a beautiful way to celebrate new life and renewal after a tough season.
The Spokane Master Gardener Bulb Sale: Your One-Stop Shop
The Spokane County Master Gardener Foundation holds an annual sale to help you pick the perfect bulbs without the guesswork.
Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Sale Opens | Now! |
| Sale Closes | September 18 |
| Bulb Pickup Starts | October 17 |
How to Order (Easy Steps)
- Visit the Website: Go to spokane.mastergardenerfoundation.org.
- Browse & Learn: Look at photos and read simple growing instructions for each variety.
- Place Your Order: Add your favorites to the cart and checkout.
- Mark Your Calendar: Pick up your bulbs starting Oct. 17 at the WSU Spokane County Extension Office (222 N. Havana St.).
What Bulbs Can You Get?
This year features over 50 unique varieties sourced from Van Engelen Flower, a world-famous Dutch company growing bulbs since 1845. They know their flowers!
The Menu Includes:
- Rare & Unusual Tulips – Not your average grocery store blooms.
- Specialty Daffodils – Beyond basic yellow; think whites, pinks, and doubles.
- Cool "Minor" Bulbs – Unique treasures like:
- Brodiaea (Star-shaped clusters)
- Erythronium (Delicate "Trout Lilies" or "Dogtooth Violets")
- Fritillaria (Bell-shaped, often checkered patterns)
Important Point
Fan Favorites Return! The top 5 best-sellers from last year are back by popular demand. The rest of the selection is brand new for this sale—so there are fresh surprises to discover!
Why Buy Here? Your Money Grows Community Gardens
When you buy these bulbs, you aren’t just buying flowers. 100% of the proceeds support the Master Gardener Foundation of Spokane County.
That money fuels the WSU Spokane County Master Gardener Program, which gives back to you and your neighbors through:
Free Expert Help (Plant Clinics)
Stumped by a weird bug or a sick tomato plant? Master Gardeners staff free clinics at:
- WSU Spokane County Extension Office
- Shadle Library
- South Hill Library
- Cheney Library
Free & Low-Cost Classes
Learn skills like pruning, composting, veggie gardening, and water-wise landscaping.
Speakers & Youth Programs
- Experts available to talk to your club, HOA, or school group.
- Hands-on gardening programs for kids.
Community Garden Support
Helping neighborhood gardens thrive with advice and resources.
See It to Believe It: Demonstration Gardens
The program maintains living libraries of plants you can visit for free inspiration. They prove what grows well in our specific climate.
Garden Locations & Themes
| Location | Theme | Why Visit? |
|---|---|---|
| WSU Extension Office | SpokaneScape / Water-Wise | See how to replace thirsty lawn with gorgeous, drought-tolerant plants. |
| WSU Extension Office | Wildfire Resistant Garden (New Summer 2024!) | Learn landscaping tricks to help protect your home from fire. |
| Spokane Conservation District (Quarry Property) | Native & Pollinator Garden | Watch bees and butterflies thrive on native plants you can grow at home. |
| Various Sites | Sun & Shade Gardens | Solve "nothing grows in this dark corner" or "this bake-oven spot" problems. |
Important Point
Free Tours! The program offers guided tours several times a year. Check their website or clinic schedules for dates.
Summary: Your Fall Action Plan
- Don’t Wait: The sale ends Sept 18.
- Shop Smart: Browse 50+ varieties with photos and guides at spokane.mastergardenerfoundation.org.
- Support Locally: Your purchase funds free clinics, classes, fire-wise demos, and youth programs.
- Plant Happy: Pick up bulbs Oct 17, plant them before the ground freezes, and wait for the magic next spring.
FAQ: Your Bulb Questions Answered
I’ve never planted bulbs before. Is it hard?
Not at all! Think of it as "Dig, Drop, Done."
- Dig a hole 2-3 times deeper than the bulb is tall.
- Drop the bulb in pointy side up.
- Cover with soil and water once. Nature handles the rest!
The sale ends Sept 18, but I don’t plant until October. Will the bulbs be okay sitting in my garage?
Yes! Bulbs are dormant (asleep) right now. Keep them in a cool, dark, dry place (like a paper bag in the garage) until you are ready to plant in October. Do not freeze them and do not let them get wet/moldy.
What are "Minor Bulbs" like Erythronium or Fritillaria? Are they harder to grow?
"Minor" just means they aren’t Tulips or Daffodils—they are specialty gems. Most are actually easier because they naturalize (multiply and spread) beautifully on their own with zero fuss. They bloom earlier, too!
Can I plant bulbs in a burn scar area with poor soil?
Absolutely. Bulbs carry their own food supply inside. They prefer well-drained soil, so if the ground is compacted ash, loosen it up a bit and mix in some compost if you have it. They are pioneers of spring!
How do I find out about the free Plant Clinics or Garden Tours?
The best way is to check the Master Gardener Foundation website (spokane.mastergardenerfoundation.org) or call the WSU Spokane County Extension Office. Clinic schedules change seasonally.
Happy Planting! Here’s to a brighter, bloom-filled spring.