Spring-flowering bulbs are perfect for injecting colour into your garden or outside space following the long winter. But which flowers bloom in spring? And when should you plant spring bulbs for the best results?
Autumn is the ideal time of year to begin preparing your garden for spring, but you can get ahead of the crowds by pre-ordering spring-flowering bulbs in August. Choose a mix of early and late-flowering varieties for continued interest from January through to June.
When should you plant spring bulbs?
Spring-flowering bulbs are best planted in the autumn months, when the soil is still soft and before the first frost and the coldest weather sets in. September and October are the ideal months for planting, but you can plant spring bulbs up until December.
If you do miss this window and stumble across some forgotten unplanted bulbs come the new year, try planting them anyway. You have nothing to lose, and they won't survive until next season if left unplanted. I planted tulip bulbs in February this year, and they still flowered!
Which bulbs flower in the spring?
Spring-flowering (or hardy) bulbs are perfect for brightening up your garden or outside space when the seasons change. Top choices for spring bulbs include:
- Daffodils, e.g., Narcissus 'Golden Trumpet' or Narcissus 'Bridal Crown'
- Crocuses, e.g., Crocus 'Ruby Giant' or Crocus chrysanthus var. fuscotinctus
- Tulips, e.g., Tulip 'Peach Blossom' or Tulip 'Queen of Night'
- Bluebells, e.g., Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Alliums, e.g., Allium 'Globemaster' or Allium nigrum
- Snowdrops, e.g., Galanthus nivalis or Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus 'Flore Pleno'
- Muscari, e.g., Muscari armeniacum or Muscari 'Pink Sunrise'
Snowdrops, crocuses and narcissi typically flower first, followed by hyacinths, tulips and muscari in mid-spring. Plant bluebells, late tulips, late daffodils and alliums for late-spring colour.
When should you buy your spring bulbs?
August is the ideal time to think about which spring bulbs to buy. Bulbs may not be available to buy in garden centres yet, but you can pre-order your spring-flowering bulbs online for delivery in September. Ordering early means you get a wider choice of bulbs and you don't need to worry about your favourite varieties selling out.
Most spring bulbs should be planted within a week, so make sure you set aside time to get them in the ground soon after they arrive. If you can't plant your bulbs right away, store them in a cool, dry place. Before planting spring bulbs, check they are all healthy and throw away any bulbs that feel soft or are showing any signs of rot.
Where should you plant your spring bulbs?
Hardy bulbs generally come from dry, sunnier climates. Try to replicate these conditions at home by planting your spring bulbs in well-draining soil in a location where they'll get plenty of natural light. Most spring bulbs will thrive in a sunny or partially shaded spot, though some varieties, like snowdrops, prefer shade.
Flower beds
A flower bed is a great option for creating a focal point in a garden or public area. Larger statement flowers such as tulips work especially well in flower beds.
Lawns
Spring bulbs are perfect for brightening up your lawn or scattering naturally around the base of trees. Bulbs suitable for naturalising include crocuses, scillas and erythronium.
Pots
Potted spring flowers are ideal for placing strategically around a garden, or for adding a splash of colour to a patio.
Tips for planting spring-flowering bulbs
If you're looking to create a stunning display of flowers come spring, here are our final tips for planting your bulbs:
- Plant spring bulbs in autumn before the coldest weather hits.
- Plant your spring bulbs within a week of purchasing them.
- Plant spring bulbs in well-draining soil that benefits from natural sunlight.
- Plant bulbs facing upwards, at around three times their depth.
