How do you know when it's time to plant bulbs? Easy, look outside and see that the daffodils have started to sprout. If so, that means you're good to go. If you have some bulbs leftover from last year, it's best not to plant them because there is a good chance that they won't sprout and you will have wasted your energy for something that won't grow. Many of the spring planted bulbs will bloom in the same year, often some time in the summer.