How to Plant Spring Bulbs in Autumn: A Step-by-Step Guide
Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
The arrival of autumn is a harbinger of change in the garden, signalling the time to prepare for the upcoming spring. One of the most rewarding tasks you can undertake during this transitional season is planting spring-blooming bulbs in your garden. This means you can extend the seasonal interest in your gardens and also help wildlife out by providing much-needed early nectar for honey bees and insects.
These bulbs, including Tulips, Daffodils, Crocuses, and Hyacinths, hold the promise of vibrant and colourful blooms that will burst forth when winter's chill finally subsides. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the steps of planting spring bulbs in autumn, ensuring that your garden awakens with a spectacular display of flowers in the coming months.
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If you want your garden to be packed full of bright-coloured spring plants, then follow my beginner guide below to plant spring bulbs with ease.
Wondering what the top 10 easy-to-grow bulbs are? Then look no further at the super easy specimens below. Click to jump to each species to see why they make the top ten for spring flowers!
The first and crucial step in planting spring bulbs is selecting the right ones. Visit your local garden centre or browse online catalogues to choose bulbs that suit your garden's size, style, and colour preferences. Consider factors such as the month they flower, ultimate height, and hardiness to ensure the bulbs are well-suited to your location.
Spring-blooming bulbs thrive in well-drained soil with good sun exposure. Select a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day in the spring. This is key.
It doesn't need 6 hours of full sun all year round, just when the bulbs are in flower/leaf.
Usually, in spring, you can get away with planting bulbs under trees as the trees won't come into leaf, casting shade, until the bulbs have finished flowering!
Ensure the soil drains well to prevent bulbs from rotting in soggy conditions. If your soil is heavy or poorly draining, consider creating raised beds or amending the soil with organic matter to improve drainage.
Planting time is crucial for spring bulbs.
You'll want to plant them in autumn, i.e. September to the end of October, ideally six weeks before the first hard frosts in your area if it gets that cold where you live.
This timing allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter and ensures they receive the chilling period necessary for proper flowering. Check your local climate and frost dates to determine the best planting window for your area.
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If your soil is in good condition, then you really don't need to do anything for bulbs as the bulbs themselves contain all the energy they need to grow, flower and then store more energy from the sun for next year.
However, if you're dealing with particularly poor soil, it's a good idea to remove any weeds, rocks, or debris and incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enrich the soil. This will provide essential nutrients for your bulbs as they establish roots.
Different types of bulbs require different planting depths. As a general rule of thumb:
The best tip is to plant all bulbs 3 times their depth in the ground. Which works for all bulbs, even if you don't know what the bulb is!
Next, space the bulbs according to their size and planting guidelines on the packaging. Typically, bulbs should be spaced two to three times their width apart. This prevents overcrowding and allows each bulb enough room to grow and flourish. Bulbs propagate by multiplication by creating lateral buds, which then develop into daughters or mini bulbs that separate from the parent bulb and need space.
You can use a few different techniques when planting spring bulbs depending on the size of your garden, how much time you have and the look you're going for.
Dig individual holes for each bulb 3 times the depth of the bulb, ensuring proper spacing, and place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing upward. Cover the bulb with soil, tamp it down gently, and water thoroughly.
For a more natural look, you can plant bulbs in clusters or drifts. Dig a larger hole, place several bulbs in the hole, and cover with soil. This creates a more naturalistic effect when the bulbs bloom.
You can also throw a handful of bulbs into your flower bed and lawn and then plant them where they stop for a truly natural effect!
To achieve a stunning display of bulbs that bloom at different heights and times, consider layering your bulbs in the same hole. Plant the larger bulbs at the recommended depth, cover them with soil, and then plant smaller bulbs on top, covering them with another layer of soil. This is sometimes called a bulb lasagne and is used in container gardening.
After planting, thoroughly water your bulbs to settle the soil and help the roots establish. This is the step that most people miss.
It's imperative to water new bulbs even if it's been raining, as the bulbs still require watering even when dormant. If they dry out, they will die.
Lastly, apply a layer of mulch, such as leaf mould, to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and deter weeds. Mulch also adds an extra layer of protection during winter.
Proper maintenance in autumn is vital to ensuring a successful spring display. Keep an eye on your newly planted bulbs, especially during dry spells, and water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Be mindful of overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot.
While spring-blooming bulbs are not heavy feeders, you can give them a boost by applying a balanced bulb fertilizer or bone meal after their first flowering. Follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer packaging. A yearly mulch will be just as good though of peat free compost.
Keep an eye out for signs of pests like squirrels, voles, or deer, which may try to dig up or munch on your newly planted bulbs. Use deterrents like netting or even rose prunings, which are thorny, to protect your bulbs. Layer rose clippings around the holes of your newly planted bulbs, or use chicken wire.
In addition, be vigilant for signs of bulb diseases, such as mould or rot, before you plant your bulbs. If you notice any issues, promptly remove and dispose of affected bulbs to prevent the spread of disease to healthy ones. If your bulbs have turned green and powdery, do not plant them. Compost them instead.
With your bulbs properly planted and cared for, all that's left to do is wait patiently for spring. As the days grow longer and warmer, your garden will come to life with the vibrant colours and fragrant blooms of your spring-blooming bulbs. This anticipation is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening, and the beauty of your spring garden will make all your efforts in autumn well worth it.
Yes, bulbs are perennial so they will come back each year. Especially if they are in a suitable place and their foliage is left to absorb energy from the sun after flowering.
The only exceptions are Tulips, particularly hybrid cultivars with frilly or unusual patterns. These tend to revert over the years back to a more mauve-coloured Tulip as the revision and variegations are not stable. They are bred to be used as an annual, sadly, so with each passing year, they become a bit more lacklustre.
Gardeners may choose to enjoy these hybrids for a single season and then replace them with new varieties the following year. But I find this really wasteful, so I prefer to plant bulbs that come back year after year from an environmental standpoint.
Stick to more simple Tulip varieties to ensure repeat flowering year after year!
Resist the urge to cut back the foliage too soon after flowering, as the leaves continue to nourish the bulb for future growth. If you cut them back after flowering to make them look tidier, you are robbing the bulbs of nutrients, meaning they may not flower again the following year.
For bulbs in containers, always provide a good liquid plant feed just after flowering. This ensures they have enough stored energy to flower the following year.
So we know how to plant spring bulbs, but it's time to decide which spring bulbs you should choose for your garden and why! Let's delve into some of the most popular and beloved varieties, each offering its unique charm to your garden.
Tulips are perhaps the most iconic of all spring bulbs, known for their bold, cup-shaped flowers that come in an astonishing range of colours. From classic reds and pinks to unique varieties like parrot tulips and fringed tulips, there's a tulip for every taste.
They vary in height, making them versatile for garden borders, containers, and even naturalizing in lawns. Tulips bloom in early to mid-spring, and with proper care, they can return year after year.
Daffodils, often referred to as "narcissus," are heralds of spring with their cheerful, trumpet-shaped flowers. They come in various sizes and colours, from the classic yellow daffodils to white, pink, and even orange varieties.
Daffodils are low-maintenance and naturalize well, spreading into drifts of golden blooms over the years. Their deer-resistant nature makes them an excellent choice for gardens where deer are a concern.
Crocuses are some of the earliest spring bulbs to bloom, often poking their heads through the snow to reveal delicate, goblet-shaped flowers. These small but mighty bulbs come in shades of purple, yellow, white, and even striped varieties.
Crocuses work well in rock gardens, pathways, or woodland settings. They naturalize readily, forming charming carpets of colour.
Hyacinths are prized for their intensely fragrant, dense clusters of flowers in shades of blue, pink, white, and lavender. They thrive in well-drained soil and are perfect for containers or mixed borders.
Their fragrance is an added bonus, filling the air with a sweet perfume that signals the arrival of spring. But it can be a bit of a love and hate scent! Plant hyacinths near walkways or seating areas to fully enjoy their perfume.
Snowdrops are the first to appear in late winter, often pushing through the last vestiges of snow. These small, nodding, bell-shaped flowers are primarily white, with delicate green markings.
Snowdrops are beloved for their tenacity and resilience in the face of winter's grip. They make excellent companions to other early bloomers like crocuses and hellebores.
Alliums, also known as ornamental onions, offer a unique and architectural element to the spring garden. These bulbs produce globe-shaped flower clusters in various sizes and colours, including shades of purple, blue, pink, and white.
Alliums are excellent for adding height and drama to borders and can also be used in cut flower arrangements. Their blooms persist into late spring, bridging the gap between early and mid-spring flowers.
Scilla, commonly known as squill, is another early bloomer with star-shaped, blue or white flowers that often carpet the ground. These bulbs are excellent for naturalizing under trees or in woodland gardens. They're easy to grow and create a charming, woodland-like atmosphere in your garden.
Fritillarias are unique spring bulbs known for their distinctive, bell-shaped flowers that often appear in shades of purple or checkerboard patterns. The most famous variety is the Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis), with its striking upright growth and pendant orange or yellow flowers.
These bulbs add a touch of drama and sophistication to the garden and are often used as focal points or in mixed perennial beds.
Grape hyacinths are charming spring bulbs with small, clustered flowers that resemble bunches of grapes. They are usually blue or purple but can also be found in white or pink varieties. Grape hyacinths naturalize easily and are great for edging borders or planting in drifts.
They often bloom early in spring and pair well with other spring-blooming bulbs. Beware, though, once you have them, you'll find it hard to ever get rid of them as they are prolific propagators!
Anemones are delicate spring bulbs known for their daisy-like flowers in various shades of white, pink, and purple. They have a graceful nodding habit and are excellent for naturalizing in woodlands or planting in mixed borders. Anemones often bloom in early to mid-spring and can add a touch of elegance to your garden.
Spring bulbs offer a delightful way to welcome the changing season with bursts of colour and fragrance. Whether you opt for the timeless beauty of tulips, the early cheer of daffodils, or the delicate charm of snowdrops, there's a spring bulb variety to suit every garden style and preference.
Planting these bulbs in autumn sets the stage for a breathtaking display of flowers in spring, making all your efforts in the garden well worth it.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your bulbs, and get ready to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of spring in your own backyard. Happy planting!
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Happy gardening!
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