When to Plant Bulbs?

I normally plant my Daff and Tulip bulbs in November to Early December. My sister would like to get her bulbs planted in late Sept, but has held back. If you plant bulbs in late Summer or early Autumn does this cause a problem?
TIA

 

I think the sooner the better.
I'm betting if you dug up some existing spring bulbs you would find they are growing new roots already.

Might be a bit too dry for that at the moment though

 

Just for you @HarryS

 

@HarryS Personally I think it's a case of sooner the better, depending on space being available.
As Pete said they are forming roots and getting ready now. I know that my snowdrops are forming roots in August and Crocuses are not far behind. Some of my spring flowering alliums have already pushed up leaves.

 

I've already planted in tulips, daffodils & anenomes. Hoping to get some more in this week too. Praying I've not started too early.

 

Bulbs: planting

 

So what happens if you leave them in the ground year after year?

 

OK, stopped buying the RHS book some years ago, but I guess there must be some evidence to prove that, I dont doubt.

Kind of suggests the bulbs must be infected before you plant them, then.

 

I can well understand Pete, what you are getting at. Not intending to boast in any way but I consider I have thoroughly learned my skills, if you like relating to gardening and groundsmanship etc.

I have always said that all the books etc are there for our help and guidance. What works for one in the highlands, may not work for one on the IOW, but the information gives us perhaps that bit of insight we never had before. A quotation that always amuses me is that of watering. Don't water in sunlight. Water only the base of the plant etc etc. So. What about rain, violent storms, summer showers.

Back to bulbs. Bulbs, like even the tiniest mustard seed, have this wonderful inbuilt system. Sometimes called the botanical clock. Even if a bulb is laying unprotected on a shelf somewhere. Come the time preplanned and set in that clock, the bulb will using it's stored moisture, will automatically begin to wake up, roots will appear and also the start of green stems. So this IMO is perhaps one, if not a good indicator when to plant. The question of, what about bulbs already in the ground. Basically ALL plants go through a period of dormacy. During this stage in a bulb's lifespan, the bulb is naturally protected. Similar to hibernating mammals. Hope this helps.

 

Thansk all for the advice, I think I understand it better now. I'll leave my planting until Novemebr. but my sis can get hers planted now

 

Except Camassia, they need to go in before the frosts.

 

My tulips are in..yikes..I'll let you all know if they succumb to the tulip fire spores