After a summer of colourful blooms, autumn is the perfect time to start preparing your garden for the year ahead. Planting spring bulbs between September and November gives them time to establish roots before winter, ready to reward you with beautiful displays when spring arrives.
From cheerful daffodils and colourful tulips to fragrant hyacinths and early flowering crocuses, spring bulbs are one of the easiest ways to add colour, texture and interest to your garden. Whether you’re planting in borders, containers or creating a layered bulb lasagne, a little preparation now will help create a stunning spring display.
Here’s everything you need to know about planting spring bulbs ready for next year.
Spring bulb planting kit
-
Pots, if you’re creating container displays
Selecting the perfect spring bulbs
As a rule of thumb, you should plant spring-flowering bulbs from early autumn. This gives them plenty of time to produce new roots before the ground freezes with the onset of winter.
When choosing bulbs, look for firm, healthy bulbs with no signs of mold or damage. Larger bulbs will usually produce bigger and stronger flowers, making them ideal for eye-catching displays.
Daffodils
When you think of spring, daffodils instantly come to mind. Bright and cheerful, daffodils are iconic spring flowers known for their trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of yellow, white, and orange. They are easy to grow and naturalise well, often becoming more abundant each year.
When to plant: September to November
When they flower: March to April
Planting depth: 10-15cm
Daffodils are one of the best bulbs for beginners as they require very little maintenance once planted. They grow well in sunny or partially shaded areas and look fantastic planted in groups throughout borders, lawns or underneath trees.
Tulips
Famous for their vibrant, cup-shaped flowers, tulips come in an array of colours and patterns. They are a classic symbol of spring and are often planted in large drifts for a striking visual impact.
When to plant: October to November
When they flower: April to May
Planting depth: 10-15cm
Tulips prefer a sunny position with well drained soil. For the biggest impact, plant tulips in groups rather than individually. They also work beautifully in containers, allowing you to move them into position once they begin flowering.
Alliums
Known for their globe-like clusters of tiny flowers atop tall, sturdy stems, alliums add architectural interest to the garden. They bloom in late spring to early summer and come in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow.
When to plant: September to November
When they flower: May to June
Planting depth: 15 to 20cm
Alliums are loved by pollinators, making them a great choice for wildlife friendly gardens. Their tall stems add height and structure to borders and their dried seed heads can continue to provide interest after flowering
Hyacinths
These fragrant, spike-shaped flowers are densely packed with small blooms in colours ranging from deep purples and blues to pinks and whites. Hyacinths are a favourite for their sweet scent and bold appearance.
When to plant: September to November
When they flower: March to April
Planting depth: 10cm
Their beautiful fragrance makes hyacinths perfect for planting near doorways, patios and seating areas where you can enjoy their scent throughout spring. They are also popular for indoor forcing, bringing early colour into your home.
Crocus
Crocuses are small but striking, with their cup-shaped flowers in shades of purple, yellow, white, and blue. They often bloom through the last snow, signaling the arrival of spring.
When to plant: September to November
When they flower: February to March
Planting depth: 7 to 10cm
As one of the earliest flowers, crocuses provide a valuable source of nectar for bees emerging after winter. Plant them in lawns, rockeries or the front of borders for a cheerful splash of colour.
Snowdrops
Delicate and early-blooming, snowdrops have nodding, white, bell-shaped flowers. They are among the first to bloom in February, often pushing through snow to reveal their dainty blossoms.
When to plant: September to November
When they flower: January to February
Planting depth: 8 to 10cm
Snowdrops thrive in partially shaded areas and are ideal for woodland style planting once established, they will slowly spread and create beautiful natural displays year after year.
Anemone
Known for their daisy-like flowers, anemones come in a variety of colours, including white, blue, pink, and red. They typically bloom in mid-spring and are appreciated for their vibrant colours and delicate appearance.
When to plant: September to November
When they flower: March to May
Planting depth: around 5cm
Before planting anemone corms, soak them overnight in water to encourage quicker growth. They look particularly effective when planted in groups throughout borders or containers.
Muscari
Also known as grape hyacinths, Muscari are small but mighty spring bloomers with clusters of tiny, bell-shaped flowers that resemble bunches of grapes. They come in shades of deep blue, purple, and white.
When to plant: September to November
When they flower: March to April
Planting depth: 8 to 10cm
Muscari are easy to grow, naturalise quickly, and are perfect for adding a pop of colour to borders, rock gardens, or containers.
When to plant spring bulbs
Spring bulbs are typically planted in autumn (September to November), well before the first hard frost. This gives the bulbs enough time to establish their roots before the ground freezes, ensuring they can bloom beautifully in the spring. It’s a good idea to stagger your planting so you can enjoy your spring displays for longer.
Where to plant spring bulbs
There are many planting options for spring bulbs including flower beds, containers or even indoors! Why not do all three?
Most bulbs prefer a sunny position with free draining soil. Avoid areas that become waterlogged during winter as excess moisture can cause bulbs to rot.
How to plant spring bulbs in the ground
With summer flowering plants gone, spring bulbs bring a burst of colour to your garden, offering a delightful preview of the warmer months ahead. Planting these bulbs in your flower beds, especially at the front of your property, can rejuvenate your garden and enhance your home's curb appeal.
Here are some easy steps for planting spring bulbs in the ground:
Prepare the Soil
Use a trowel or bulb planter to dig a hole that’s deep and wide enough for the bulbs. Most bulbs should be planted at a depth of two to three times their height.
Position the Bulbs
Place the bulbs in the hole with the pointed end facing upward. Ensure they are spaced apart at least twice the width of the bulb.
Backfill and Mark
Cover the bulbs with soil and press down gently. You may want to mark the spot with a label or a stick for future reference.
Watering
If the soil is already moist, you likely won’t need to water as rainfall will suffice. For spring plantings, water the bulbs thoroughly after planting.
Support healthy growth
To give your spring bulbs the best start, mix a balanced bulb fertiliser or cone meal into the soil at planting time. This provides essential nutrients that encourages strong root development and healthy flowers the following spring. Once your bulbs have finished flowering, leave the foliage in place until it dies back naturally. Although the leaves may look untidy, they continue feeding energy back into the bulb, helping it produce an even better display the following year.
How to plant spring bulbs in pots
When planting bulbs in pots, you don’t need to worry too much about spacing. You can place them closer together and at a shallower depth compared to ground planting. Using different pots for various bulb types allows you to rotate the display and highlight bulbs as they bloom.
Here are some easy steps for planting spring bulbs in pots:
Choose The Right Pot
Select a container with drainage holes to prevent excess water sitting around the bulbs
Ensure Proper Drainage
Place some drainage material, like broken crockery or gravel, at the bottom of the pots
Add Compost
Fill the pot with compost to a depth of about 10 cm (4 inches) if it’s a large pot.
Arrange the Bulbs
Position the bulbs with their pointed ends facing up, spacing them about 1-2 cm (0.5-1 inch) apart.
Top Off and Water
Add more compost to cover the bulbs and water them well to settle the soil.
How to create indoor spring displays
Bringing spring indoors is easier than you might think! Forcing bulbs like hyacinths to bloom inside your home is a wonderful way to enjoy their vibrant colours and sweet fragrance during the colder months. They also make great Christmas gifts!
Here are some easy steps for planting spring bulbs indoors:
Choose the Right Bulbs
Hyacinths are particularly well-suited for indoor forcing, but you can also try crocuses, daffodils, or paperwhites.
Select a Vase
Use a glass vase that has a narrow neck and a wider base. The narrow neck will hold the bulb just above the water, while the wider base provides space for the roots to grow. You can also use special bulb-forcing vases designed for this purpose.
Prepare the Vase
Fill the vase with water until it reaches just below the base of the bulb. The bulb should not touch the water but be close enough that the roots can reach down to it. This prevents the bulb from rotting.
Initiate Root Growth
Place the vase in a cool, dark place like a basement or a refrigerator for about 4-6 weeks. This mimics winter conditions and encourages the bulb to develop roots.
Move to a Sunny Spot
Once you see roots filling the vase and a green shoot emerging from the top of the bulb, move the vase to a bright, sunny location. A windowsill with indirect sunlight is ideal.
Watch It Bloom
Over the next few weeks, keep the water level just below the base of the bulb and change it regularly. As the plant grows, you’ll soon be rewarded with beautiful blooms and a lovely fragrance to brighten your home.
How to plant a bulb lasagne for maximum impact
A bulb lasagne is a creative and efficient planting technique that allows you to create a multi-layered display of spring flowers with minimal effort. This method involves planting different types of bulbs in layers within the same container or garden bed, so you get a staggered bloom from early spring through to late spring.
What to plant in a bulb lasagna
The great thing about this planting method is that you can mix and match your bulbs to create unique displays every time.
You can pick your own loose bulbs in our spring bulb market or purchase our ready-made bulb lasagna kits.
Which order do you plant a bulb lasagna in?
-
Bottom Layer: Start with the bulbs that will bloom last such as tulips, alliums or iris.
-
Middle Layer: Next, add bulbs that will bloom a bit later, such as daffodils or hyacinths.
-
Top Layer: Finish with bulbs that will bloom first including crocus, anemone, snowdrops.
Gradually, you’ll enjoy each bulb flower until you have a full display in spring.
Common spring bulb planting mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes to keep your bulbs healthy:
-
Plating bulbs too shallow, this can leave them vulnerable to frost
-
Forgetting which bulbs you have planted, use labels in containers
-
Cutting foliage back too soon after flowering, allow leaves to die back naturally
-
Planting in heavy, waterlogged soil where bulbs may rot
Spring bulb FAQs
When is the best time to plant spring bulbs in the UK?
The best time to plant spring bulbs in the UK is usually between September and November, before the ground becomes frozen. Planting in autumn allows the bulbs to establish strong roots throughout winter, ready to flower in spring.
Some bulbs can be planted slightly later if the soil is still workable, but earlier planting generally gives bulbs the best chance to establish successfully.
What are the easiest spring bulbs to grow?
Daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops and muscari are some of the easiest spring bulbs to grow, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. They require minimal maintenance, return year after year and can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
For a low maintenance spring display, try planting a mixture of early flowering bulbs such as crocuses and snowdrops alongside later flowering varieties like tulips and alliums.
How deep should spring bulbs be planted?
Most spring bulbs should be planted at a depth of around two or three times the height of the bulb. For example, larger bulbs such as daffodils and tulips are usually planted around 1o to 15cm deep, while smaller bulbs such as crocuses and muscari can be planted around 7 to 10cm deep.
Always check the planting instructions on your bulb packaging, as requirements can vary between varieties.
Do spring bulbs come back every year?
Many spring bulbs will return every year if planted in the right conditions. Daffodils, snowdrops, crocuses, muscari and alliums are particularly reliable perennial bulbs that often become more impressive each year as they multiply.
Some tulip varieties may need replacing more frequently, especially modern hybrid varieties, although many will return with the right care and well drained soil.
Can you plant spring bulbs in pots?
Yes, spring bulbs grow extremely well in containers, making them a great option for patios, balconies and smaller gardens. Pots also allow you to create seasonal displays that can be moved around your garden as different bulbs come into flower.
When planting bulbs in containers, choose a pot with drainage holes and use a good quality compost to prevent bulbs from sitting in waterlogged soil.
Should I water spring bulbs after planting?
After planting, water spring bulbs if the soil is dry to help encourage root growth. However, autumn rainfall is usually enough in the UK, so avoid overwatering as bulbs can rot in overly wet conditions.
Container bulbs may need more regular catering as pots dry out faster than garden borders.
Can I plant spring bulbs in December?
Yes, you can still plant many spring bulbs in December if the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Although autumn is the ideal planting period, bulbs can often still establish during early winter and flower successfully in spring.
If you have missed autumn planting, it is always worth planting bulbs rather than leaving them unused.
What should I do with spring bulbs after they have flowered?
Once your spring bulbs have finished flowering, remove the spent blooms by deadheading flowers, but leave the foliage in place until it has naturally died back or turned yellow. Although the leaves may look untidy, they continue to absorb sunlight and store energy in the bulb, helping the bulb to produce healthy flowers from being lifted and stored once the foliage has died back.
Many spring bulbs, including daffodils, crocuses, muscari and alliums, can be left in the ground to naturalise and will often return year after year. Some tulip varieties can also be left in place, while others benefit from being lifted and stored once the foliage has died back.
For more detailed advice on dead heading, lifting, storing and caring for your bulbs after they have flowered, see our complete guide on how to care for spring bulbs after flowering.
With a little planning in autumn, spring bulbs can transform your garden into a colourful display after the colder months, whether you choose a simple pot of tulips, a drift of daffodils or a layered bulb lasagne, there are endless ways to enjoy spring flowers.
So, now you’re ready to get planting! Visit our bulb market place to explore our wide range of spring flower bulbs and everything else you need to get started.