Everything about planting flower bulbs: spring, summer, and fall blooming flowers in your garden

Planting flower bulbs is one of the easiest ways to add color and life to your garden. By choosing the right time to plant, you can enjoy a beautiful flower display all year round. In this blog, we’ll break down spring, summer, and fall-blooming bulbs, when to plant them, how to plant them, and how to make sure they bloom again next year.

What are spring, summer and fall blooming bulbs?

Spring-blooming bulbs are planted in the fall and bloom in the spring. Think tulips, crocuses, and daffodils. Summer-blooming bulbs are planted in the spring and flower in the summer months. Examples include dahlias and gladiolus. Then, there are fall-blooming bulbs, which are typically planted in late summer or early fall and bloom towards the end of fall, like autumn crocus and certain types of cyclamen.

When to plant spring blooming bulbs?

Spring bloomers like tulips, crocuses, and daffodils are planted in the fall, usually between September and December. This is when you lay the foundation for a colorful spring!

The ideal month used to be around October, but with the weather shifting, the cold now comes a bit later. We recommend keeping an eye on the outdoor temperatures. Once the weather consistently cools down and won’t rise again, it’s the right time to plant your spring bloomers.

This gives the bulbs enough time to develop before the really cold winter months. It's important they have time to form roots before the ground freezes. The cold period actually helps them bloom beautifully come spring!

When to plant summer blooming bulbs?

Summer-blooming bulbs and tubers are planted in the spring so you can enjoy their colorful blooms in summer and late summer. Famous ones like dahlias, gladiolus, and lilies are sensitive to frost, so you’ll want to wait until after the last frost of the season to plant them. Keep an eye on those outdoor temperatures! In most places, this is usually from May, but in warmer European countries, it could be earlier. If you plant your summer bulbs directly outdoors in May, they’ll bloom by late summer. But, if you want to enjoy flowers like dahlias or gladiolus earlier, you can start them indoors in pots with potting soil from March. Keep them in a sunny, warm spot and water regularly. Once the chance of frost has passed, move them outside in their pots or plant them in the ground. This way, you’ll enjoy their colorful blooms even sooner!

When to plant fall blooming bulbs?

Fall-blooming bulbs are usually planted in late summer or early fall, depending on the specific variety and where you live. These bulbs bloom in the fall, adding a burst of color at the end of the gardening season. Popular types like autumn crocus (Colchicum), fall crocus, and certain cyclamens are often planted in late August to September.

When planting fall-blooming bulbs, make sure the soil drains well. Bulbs don't like sitting in water, especially during the colder months. Opt for a sunny or lightly shaded spot. After planting, the bulbs usually need some time to root before they start flowering, which leads to stunning blooms in late summer and fall.

How to plant flower bulbs the right way

Flower bulbs are a fantastic way to bring color and life to your garden, no matter the season. Proper planting helps you get the most out of their blooms. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant them, from picking the spot to caring for your bulbs after planting.

Choosing the right spot for your bulbs

The first step is to find the right location. Flower bulbs grow in nearly any type of soil, as long as it drains well. If they’re left in wet soil for too long, they can rot. Choose a spot with good drainage, ideally in full sun or partial shade. Some types, like snowdrops and daffodils, can also do well in the shade.

Tip! Bulbs are versatile and can look great in borders, pots, window boxes, or even a wildflower meadow. Consider planting a colorful border along your lawn or near the base of trees.

How deep and how far apart should you plant bulbs?

As a rule of thumb, plant your bulbs about three times as deep as their height. For example, a 5cm bulb should be planted in a 15cm deep hole. Smaller bulbs can go about 7-10cm deep. Some exceptions like dahlias should be planted just under the surface, or even leave the tip peeking above the ground.

For spacing, larger bulbs need 7-20cm of space between them, while smaller bulbs can be spaced 3-7cm apart. Bulbs look their best when planted in groups of at least 10.

Step-by-step guide for planting flower bulbs

1. Dig a hole: Use a trowel or bulb planter to create a hole of the right depth. For larger groups, dig a trench.
2. Place the bulbs: Gently place the bulbs with the pointy side up and the flat side down. Don’t push them into the soil—just lay them down.
3. Create a composition: Place taller bulbs behind shorter ones for a nice layered effect in your garden.
4. Cover the bulbs: Fill the hole or trench with soil and press it down lightly.
5. Water: If you haven’t had rain yet, water the bulbs to help them establish roots.

Tip! To extend the blooming period, you can stagger your planting by a few weeks. This will create a longer blooming season!

What to do with your bulbs after they bloom

After a season of beautiful blooms, it’s time to think about what to do with your bulbs. Proper aftercare ensures they’ll bloom again next year.

Many spring bloomers, like daffodils and hyacinths, can stay in the ground after blooming. They’ll overwinter just fine and bloom again next year. However, tulips are an exception. These bulbs are more sensitive to frost and disease. If you want your tulips to bloom again, dig them up once the leaves have fully died back.

Summer bloomers like dahlias and gladiolus are usually frost-sensitive. These bulbs should be dug up after blooming. Once the flowers have faded and the leaves have died back, it’s time to dig them up. Digging and storing summer bulbs takes a little more care but ensures you can replant them the following year.

Step-by-step guide for digging up and storing bulbs

1. Wait until the leaves die: Only dig up the bulbs once the leaves and stems have completely died. This gives the bulbs enough time to store energy.
2. Dig up the bulbs: Gently dig the bulbs out of the soil. Remove any excess soil but don’t wash them off with water, as this can cause mold.
3. Separate new bulbs: Small new bulbs may form at the base. Gently separate them and store them to plant next year.
4. Remove old roots and skins: Peel off old roots and any loose skin from the bulbs.
5. Dry them out: Let the bulbs dry in a cool, dry place.
6. Store them: Store the bulbs in a box or cardboard container, with newspaper between layers to keep them dry. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Tip! If you want to keep track of which bulbs you’ve stored for next season, wrap each one in newspaper and write the flower type on it. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re planting come fall or spring!

Whether you choose a colourful spring, a lush summer or a surprising autumn, planting flower bulbs gives you the chance to make your garden come alive all year round. With the right timing, a little care and attention, you can enjoy a dazzling show of flowers every season. So what are you waiting for? Grab those bulbs, dive into the garden and create a flower paradise you can enjoy all year round!