Now is a perfect time to plant fall bulbs that can grow into a glory of early springtime color. Popular varieties for this area, such as daffodils, hyacinths and, of course, tulips, should do very well if you plant them within the next few weeks. In some cases, even January isn't too late for bulb planting. You really want to wait until it' s fairly cold outside because it's much better for the plants. You don't want them coming up too early, which they can do if the weather becomes too warm.
Bulbs require low temperatures to grow properly.
This means that they have sufficient hours of cold exposure to start growing into full blooms. The often spring-like winter weather that warms West Texas can fool bulbs into thinking that spring has arrived a bit early. Bulbs that do come up too early are often subjected to a frosty death once the temperature drops. That's why the time you choose to plant is fairly important with bulbs. You want it to be cold enough that they won't come up until it's time for them to do so.