What to do with Spring bulbs after flowering
Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the garden with tulips, daffodils and other spring flowers brightening up every corner. But, what should you do with the bulbs once they’re done flowering?
Taking care of your spring bulbs after flowering will help with future blooms and also save you the cost of replacing bulbs every year.
What to do with spring bulbs after they’ve flowered
Spring bulbs can be left to do their own thing, but if you want to use the pot for other bulbs or you want to ensure they bloom even better the following season, there are a few things you can do.
Spring bulbs can often be left to do their own thing, but if you want to get the best blooms next year, or reuse pots and space in your garden for summer, there are a few simple steps to follow.
Deadhead faded flowers
Once the flowers have faded, remove the spent blooms by cutting them off just below the flower head. In daffodils, you’ll notice a bulge appearing just below the flower, this is where seeds are forming.
Cutting just below this stops the plant from putting energy into producing seeds and instead allows it to focus on strengthening the bulb for next year. It also keeps your displays looking a little tidier!
Let foliage naturally die back
While the foliage is still green don’t cut it back. During this time, the foliage is still photosynthesising and feeding energy back into the bulb, which is essential for future flowering. Instead, leave the leaves in place until they turn yellow and die back naturally (usually 6-8 weeks after they bloom) until you cut it back. Cutting leaves back too early can result in weaker blooms the following year.
Lift the bulbs or let them come back
Spring bulbs can be left in the ground and will often return next Spring. However, blooms may be smaller or fewer and warm wet summers put the bulbs at risk of rotting. For better results, lift and store bulbs when the foliage is yellow and has fallen over — this indicates the bulb has finished storing energy for next year.
How to store Spring bulbs
If you decide to lift your bulbs, storing them correctly is key to keeping them healthy for next season.
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Gently clean off excess soil
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Allow bulbs to dry thoroughly in a cool, well-ventilated space
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Remove any damaged or diseased bulbs
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Store in paper bags, mesh trays, or netting (never plastic)
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Keep in a cool, dry, frost-free place until autumn planting
How to replant Spring bulbs
Once the bulbs have dried out and gone dormant they’ll be ready to flower again in Spring. Before you plant them out again, take a look at the bulbs and check they haven’t rotted while in storage. You can also bring them to room temperature a week or so before planting to acclimatise them and avoid shock.
The bulbs can be planted out in Autumn in pots or in the ground. Using bulb compost is great for helping them replenish themselves and bulb trays can be helpful for planting, lifting and storing flower bulbs easily.
Spring bulbs are a great way of brightening up your garden and with a little care they can serve you well the following year. We have everything you need to maintain, store & plant and your bulbs - pop down or order online!