how early is too early...

to plant bulbs? I've spent the past couple of months buying up tulips and daff, crocuses and anemones, ipheion and some other ones I can't spell. Been doing a lot of plotting and planning, lots of daydreaming... When can I start digging???

I've read some places that you should get bulbs in the ground early so they can grow roots before the ground freezes, and other places say you should wait till after Thanksgiving. I'm in Oklahoma City, and it's been mid 60's for highs, and 40's at night.

I was really hoping I might get some of these in the ground this weekend when I have some free time, but I don't want to mess them up.

Can I go ahead and plant them now, or do I really need to wait another few weeks?

Well, you can get a head start on digging the beds now, while you have time. I don't know about when to plant there, though.

go ahead and put them in the ground. I've been planting last couple of days. only 50 more to go! if a few should ever, start coming up early don't worry about them they will regrow. I know that from experience with florist anemone's (not hardy here??, foilage came up twice and died. third time came up and bloomed right through week of april's freeze.) but i doubt you can plant them too early unless you stored in refrigerator, then if you had fulfilled their cold dormancy requirement they would probably grow.

Soil temps of 55° F or below are recommended. I planted Crocus vernus two weeks ago and they are coming up. Don't know if that knocks them out for next spring or not. Checked the soil temp a week after planting (not too smart) and it was 62° .

I'm having the same debate on planting time with myself, babygardener. I can tell you that things like tulips should go in last...here I usually don't plant those until around Christmastime. Our temps have been low 70's for highs and 40's or even 30's occasionally at night. I usually plant narcissus first, then hyacinths, and tulips last. I would say anytme in November would be safe for you, excepting tulips. We have already prepared our beds and I am itching to plant SOMETHING now!