Most bulbs need their foliage; it enables them to prepare themselves for the next growing season before the foliage dies back. So without it, the plant is severely handicapped. If you do again buy such forced bulbs that have ppassed their peak, put them aside until the foliage dies back, then plant the bulbs. You are likely to get a flower the next spring.
Planting bubs in containers can be tricky because the container’s conditions are not like those of the in-ground soil. The moisture level is different, the temp of the soil, ice/snow exposure, if the container is outside. If the container is inside (say in a garage or the like, the bulbs are still challenged by 鈥渦nnatural鈥 conditions鈥攍ack of moisture, being one. You could plant the container (make sure it has drainage holes!) and lift it (take it up) in the spring.
If at all possible, the best bet is to plant spring-blooming bulbs in the fall, before the ground is frozen. Zone 5 is relatively temperate; you should have no problems with bulbs in the ground (mulch the surface of the ground, after planting, for added protection, then remove mulch in spring).
Most bulbs need their foliage; it enables them to prepare themselves for the next growing season before the foliage dies back. So without it, the plant is severely handicapped. If you do again buy such forced bulbs that have ppassed their peak, put them aside until the foliage dies back, then plant the bulbs. You are likely to get a flower the next spring.
Planting bubs in containers can be tricky because the container’s conditions are not like those of the in-ground soil. The moisture level is different, the temp of the soil, ice/snow exposure, if the container is outside. If the container is inside (say in a garage or the like, the bulbs are still challenged by 鈥渦nnatural鈥 conditions鈥攍ack of moisture, being one. You could plant the container (make sure it has drainage holes!) and lift it (take it up) in the spring.
If at all possible, the best bet is to plant spring-blooming bulbs in the fall, before the ground is frozen. Zone 5 is relatively temperate; you should have no problems with bulbs in the ground (mulch the surface of the ground, after planting, for added protection, then remove mulch in spring).
We hope this helps!