Did The Spring Snow Kill My Flower Bulbs and Trees?
Yesterday we were admiring all the spring bulbs (daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, lilies) and buds on trees and bushes (apple, lilacs) and this morning they are covered with snow and ice. Driving in to the radio station this morning, it looks like the City of Binghamton only received a little more than a dusting, but out in the country where I live, it's about an inch of snow mixed with ice. So what about the plants? Will they be OK?
It's hard to say. Spring snow has happened before in the Southern Tier and you may recall some stunted growth. It's too early to say if this will hurt the apple crop or not. And there's a good possibly of more snow coming. Nick Merianos, Meteorologist from WBNG-TV says Monday could have a "70% chance of morning snow, heavy at times, mixing with rain midday, especially from Binghamton southward. Steady precipitation tapers to rain/ snow showers after noon. High: 34-39." We all know it won't last, but what about the bulbs, trees and bushes we've waited so long to enjoy?
As far as flowering bulbs go, you still can cover your plants (before Monday's snow) with sheets and light blankets from your linen closet. Do not use plastic as you will suffocate the bulbs. Burlap works great too. My reliable go-to DavesGarden.com says you spray water on the plant foliage with the hose as they do in Florida when they get an unexpected freeze with the citrus fruits. Or look at the foliage. "If the foliage emerged fairly recently, you probably don't have much to worry about. Foliage is not often damaged by cold. If it is, the plant still often recovers fully and goes on to bloom without any adverse affects."
The good news is if there is damage, you might have a shorter bloom time and even if you don't have an blossoms this year, as long as you don't cut off the foliage, as bulbs need the foliage to feed the bulbs, the bulbs and trees should recover fine for next year.
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