Here in Chicago, we’re ready for the warm weather and luckily, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel! The countdown is almost over and it’s time to get out into the garden and onto our lawns again. But, you might need some color in your life before your perennials bloom again. If you’re looking to have some plants bloom in spring or as soon as possible, check out this article for the best tips.

Daffodils

These bright yellow flowers are a perfect sign that warmer days are on the way. Daffodils can start blooming as early as March in Chicago. They flourish in gardens, on hillsides, and even on the side of the road. All in all, daffodils are a welcome sight after a long winter and the perfect thing to put a little spring in your step!

Snowdrops

Even when it’s still snowing in Chicago, you may be able to find some plants poking through the ground, and that includes snowdrops! Snowdrops are like tiny spring gems covered with bell-like white and green flowers. They’re the first sign of spring and are sure to put a smile on your face. Plus, they’re great for pollinators who are looking for nectar early in the season, which will benefit the rest of your garden in spring.

Crocus

These sweet, colorful plants with flowers are another early bloomer, poking their heads above a shallow blanket of snow on sunny days. Crocuses come in all sorts of shades, from deep purple to sunny yellow, and they can be seen blooming as early as late February. They can handle cold temperatures and even some snow so they’re perfect to be planted and withstand the Chicago spring weather.

Tulips

Planted in clumps and drifts, tulips often bloom early and often bright eye candy in the spring garden. If you plant extra you can cut some and enjoy them in bouquets indoors! Choose a location that has good drainage and an abundance of organic matter in the soil to prevent the bulbs from rotting. If you’ve struggled in the past with getting your tulips to bloom, you should look into some of our best tips for flourishing flowers.

Wild Hyacinth

Lastly, wild hyacinths are a cold-hardy and long-lived plant. They are colorful charmers likely to bloom from April through June. Wild Hyacinths produce spires of beautiful blue wildflowers that thrive in moist loam or clay soil.

Now it’s time for the best part- time to plant these flowers in your garden! Make sure to do your research about the perfect month in spring to get these plants in the ground.

If you’re choosing to plant some of the flowers that will bloom first in Chicago spring, such as daffodils, snowdrops, crocus, tulips, or wild hyacinth, it’s important to know a few more tips until it completely warms up in the city. Choose a location next to a south-facing foundation along a house or garage to protect the plants from strong winds. As mentioned before, choose a site that has good drainage so the bulbs do not rot in the soil. Follow the planting instructions on the package and do not plant the flowers too deep so they bloom earlier. It’s not uncommon for a snowstorm in Chicago spring, which could flatten your taller blooming plants. Cover them with a pot and they should survive the snow. Following these tips will have your garden flourishing as early as March!