When and how to plant spring bulbs
Plant in autumn, enjoy in spring. A simple guide to daffodils, tulips, alliums and more.
Spring bulbs are the easiest way to get colour in the garden after winter. All the work happens in autumn.
When to plant
- Daffodils, crocus and alliums: early to mid autumn.
- Tulips: late autumn, after the first frosts. Planting later reduces the risk of tulip fire disease.
How deep
The rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at two to three times their own height, pointy end up. Planting too shallow is the most common reason bulbs don't flower.
Where to plant
Most bulbs need good drainage; they rot in waterlogged soil. In heavy clay, add grit to the planting hole or grow bulbs in pots.
Planting for impact
Plant in groups of at least 7 to 10 of the same variety rather than in rows. For naturalising in grass, toss handfuls of crocus or small daffodils and plant them where they land.
The "bulb lasagne" for pots
Layer bulbs in one container: tulips at the bottom, daffodils in the middle, crocus or muscari on top. You'll get flowers from late winter to late spring.
After flowering
Remove dead flower heads but leave the foliage to die back naturally for six weeks. The leaves feed the bulb for next year's flowers.
