Summer days are slowly coming to an end, and while many will feel downhearted by the shortening of days and the incoming colder weather, us gardeners can start to feel excited as preparations for some of next year’s displays start now, by planting bulbs.
Spring-flowering bulbs are a bit of a cheat code when it comes to blooming shows of colour, as you can get bulbs in the ground now, almost completely forget about them, then be blown away by the array of vibrant shades that emerge come March to May.
Spring flowers are such a valuable resource, as they awake the winter garden from its slumber, offering hints of colour through beds, borders, and pots – almost like a snapshot preview for the summer days ahead!
What Spring-Flowering Bulbs Should You Plant?
There are so many varieties out there, so don’t chain yourself to one type of plant for your spring garden and try planting many alongside one-another for a varied display of size, colour, and form.
For example, ‘Tête-à-Tête’ Daffodils are a real delight, and is one of the first varieties to start emerging from the ground, signalling the arrival of spring. The cheery yellow flowers are sure to put a smile on your face!
Crocus and Hyacinth are more excellent choices, and we particularly adore this Mixed Species Crocus collection, with shades of blues, yellows, and white, while the ‘Berries and Cream’ Hyacinth Mix really draws the eye around March with towering flowers of rose, violet, pink, and cream.
To get a little bit of everything, try planting the Complete Spring Flowering Bulb Collection for a spell-binding combination of blooms.
Planting Spring-Flowering Bulbs – When To Do It
The best time to plant spring flowering bulbs is typically between September and November. This allows the bulbs to establish themselves before the harsh winter weather arrives.
How to Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
- Choose a suitable location – Bulbs prefer well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot.
- Prepare the soil – Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the bulb, plus a bit of extra space around.
- Plant the bulbs – Place the bulbs in the hole with the pointed end facing upwards. Cover them with soil and firm gently.
- Water – Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting.
Always remember that bulbs don’t like to grow by themselves! Aim to plant at least six together, and by including more and more bulbs, you’ll only get a bigger and better display.
Helping Your Spring-Flowering Bulbs to Grow
Spread a layer of mulch on the surface to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the bulbs from frosty conditions. Watering shouldn’t be needed in well-drained conditions, except during prolonged spells of hot, dry weather.
Don’t be tempted to rest on your laurels when flowers emerge in spring! You can prolong the flowering display even longer by deadheading as and when you spot spent flowers. This will encourage the plant to grow even more blooms!
Keep soil moist while flowering, but take care not to let the ground become waterlogged. Plus, particularly tall blooms may benefit from staking to avoid them toppling over.
