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!
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.
When to Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
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
A layer of mulch can be spread around the surface where your bulbs are planted to help retain moisture, suppress any pesky weeds, and protect the bulbs from frosty conditions.
In most well-drained conditions, watering should not be needed but if conditions do turn dry for prolonged periods, give your bulbs a good watering.
When spring days come around and the beautiful flowerheads bursting with colour start to emerge, you will be thankful for the effort put in during autumn.
However, do not be tempted to rest on your laurels just yet, as you can prolong the flowering display even longer by deadheading most varieties as and when you spot spent flowers. This will encourage the plant to grow even more blooms!
During flowering, be sure to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and if growing any particularly tall flowering varieties, you may want to stake them to avoid the risk of them toppling over.
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