How to plant spring-flowering bulbs
Spring-flowering bulbs are one of the easiest ways to bring colour into your garden after winter. Planted during autumn, bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocuses and hyacinths will remain beneath the soil until they are ready to produce their spring display.
Follow these six simple steps to get the best results.
1. Plant at the right time
Plant most spring-flowering bulbs, including daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths, during September and October.
Tulips are best planted slightly later, usually in November. Planting them once the soil has cooled can help reduce the risk of tulip fire.
If you miss the recommended planting time, check that the bulbs are still firm and healthy, then plant them as soon as possible.
2. Choose a suitable position
Most spring-flowering bulbs prefer a sunny position with soil that drains freely.
Avoid areas that remain wet for long periods, as waterlogged soil can cause bulbs to rot. Improve heavy soil with organic matter and horticultural grit where necessary.
Woodland bulbs, including snowdrops and bluebells, are better suited to cooler areas beneath deciduous trees and shrubs.
3. Check your bulbs
Healthy bulbs should feel firm and dry.
Avoid planting bulbs that are soft, mouldy or showing obvious signs of rot. A small amount of dry, papery outer skin is completely normal.
Plant your bulbs soon after purchasing rather than leaving them stored for several weeks.
4. Plant at the correct depth
As a general guide, plant bulbs at approximately two to three times their own height.
Place each bulb with its pointed end or shoot facing upwards. Space bulbs approximately twice their own width apart.
Do not worry if you cannot identify the top. Plant the bulb on its side and the new growth will usually find its way towards the surface.
For a more impressive display, plant bulbs together in informal groups rather than arranging them in single straight lines.
5. Plant bulbs in containers
Spring bulbs grow beautifully in pots, bowls and window boxes.
Choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with peat-free compost. Adding horticultural grit can improve drainage.
Bulbs can be positioned closer together in a container than they would be in a border, but they should not touch. Cover them with compost, water once and place the container in a sheltered outdoor position.
You can also layer different bulbs in a deep container to create a longer-lasting display. Position larger, later-flowering bulbs at the bottom and smaller, earlier bulbs closer to the surface.
6. Provide simple aftercare
Bulbs planted into moist autumn soil may not need additional watering. Water containers after planting, then check them occasionally to ensure the compost does not become completely dry or waterlogged.
Once the flowers have faded in spring, remove the dead flower heads but leave the foliage in place. The leaves help the bulbs store energy for the following year.
Allow the foliage to turn yellow and die back naturally before removing it.
Can I plant bulbs in a lawn?
Daffodils, crocuses and other smaller bulbs can be planted through grass to create a natural spring display.
Scatter the bulbs gently across the chosen area and plant them where they land for a relaxed appearance.
Avoid mowing until the bulb foliage has yellowed and died back. Cutting the leaves too early can weaken the bulbs and reduce flowering the following spring.
Bring your spring garden to life
Whether you are filling borders, brightening containers or adding colour beneath trees, planting bulbs in autumn will reward you with a beautiful display in spring.
Visit Coletta & Tyson Garden Centre in Woodmansey, near Beverley and Hull, to explore our seasonal bulb collection and find everything you need for autumn planting.