If it were me I would stick them in the ground right away. That way they at least won't dry out and die on me. You may not get any bloom this year if they are something that needs chill to set bloom but I would think they would at least put up some leaves so you know they are alive. I've planted garlic in mid spring instead of fall like you are supposed to and it did ok.

If I put them in the ground now in cold, wet soil without roots they won't rot?

Vera

Well, I suppose you are probably wetter there than I am here so I'm really not sure. You could always wait till things dry out and warm up a bit. But me, personally, I wouldn't wait until fall because I'm not very good at keeping bulbs in good shape. You could try the more general Bulbs forum. It looks like it's busy over there.

Ok thanks, I'll do that.

Vera

The rule of thumb for bulbs in Zone 5 is that they can be planted any time (fall through winter) as long as the soil isn't frozen. I have some bulbs in my garage that I was hoping to get in the ground last week during our "warm" spell. But, alas, it was not to be!!

Well the ground is thaw...I guess I'll get them in tomorrow! Thanks a bunch!
Today I spent the afternoon cleaning up the creeping thyme, grasses, etc, and got some more jugs out today: Wave Petunia (red), Maltese Cross, Cosmos, Fountain Grass, Harlequin Marigold, Salvia 'East Friesland, Larkspur 'Earl Grey', and Lavatera (Rose Mallow).

Vera