Planting Flower Bulbs For The Spring

Do you dream of a blossoming garden in spring time next year? If you do, the best time to start planting flower bulbs is now! If you start planting in September, October and early November, you'll have a garden full of vibrant colours from January to June next year.

Start planting crocus in October and they'll be greeting you in January. Plant daffodils now and you'll see them brightly glowing in March. If you plant tulips, you’ll see a garden in full array of colours by April. Maybe you want to plant some aliums? Plant them now and gaze at their pretty purplish blooms in May. Once planted, these flowers will always brighten your day as they flower every single year!

Why Plant Flower Bulbs?

  • Flower bulbs are an ultimate source of colour and delight for your garden and are perfect for the spring season.
  • You don’t need to be a master gardener to plant flower bulbs. You can do it in a few quick and easy steps.
  • They're low maintenance and require minimal effort.
  • Flower bulbs can be a refuge for wildlife, such as bees and butterflies.
  • With flower bulbs, your only limit is your imagination! This allows you to get creative with your design and landscape. 
  • The best time to plant is during this cool autumn weather. If you plant now, you give flower bulbs ample time to grow roots during winter and see them emerge cheerfully in spring.

Where Are Flower Bulbs Best Planted?

Flower bulbs can be planted almost anywhere as long as suitable conditions are met. There may be some specific requirements for a few certain bulbs, but generally, they'll grow with the following conditions:

  • Anywhere with well-drained soil to prevent rotting and wet feet.
  • Areas with direct sun exposure of at least 6 hours a day, though some bulbs prefer a bit of cool shade.
  • Deep enough soil, 2-3 times deeper than the height of the bulb.
  • Places where they look great in clumps; garden beds, borders or in a grove.

Planting Flower Bulbs: 10 Simple And Easy Steps

  • Select high-quality bulbs, that are plump and firm. 
  • Find the best spot for your bulbs, where soil is well-drained and sun exposure is adequate.
  • Loosen the soil and remove weeds, rocks or debris.
  • Mix in compost or organic matter to promote strong root growth and good blooming.
  • Plant the bulbs deep. Generally, big bulbs are planted at about 20 cm deep, while small bulbs are planted at about 12 cm deep. Check the planting directions specific to your selected bulb.
  • Plant the bulb with the pointed end facing up. If it has no pointed end, look for the roots and plant that side facing down.
  • Back fill with soil over the hole. Lightly compress the soil but don't pack it.
  • Water bulbs well to stimulate root growth. Eliminate air pockets in the soil so bulbs will not dry out.
  • Spread 5 to 7 cm of mulch over the soil to prevent growth of weeds.
  • If you have critters nearby, weigh down a piece of mesh or chicken wire over the soil. Remove the protective covering once the bulbs start sprouting.
Planting flower bulbs in a garden.

What Compost Do I Need?

Flower bulbs thrive most in fertile soil, rich in organic matter. If your soil lacks nutrients you can mix some bone meal or super phosphate into the soil. Put this at the bottom of the hole at planting time to ensure strong growth of your roots and good blooming.

You can also mix in compost made of yard waste, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, shredded newspaper, straw or sawdust from untreated wood. You may also use a water-soluble fertilizer to add nutrients and improve your soil.

Shopping List For Planting Flower Bulbs:

Ready to plant flower bulbs this September? We have prepared a complete shopping list for you to get started!

  1. High-quality bulbs
  2. Good Compost
  3. Trowel or bulb-planting tool
  4. Shovel
  5. Feed
  6. Containers or pots

You don’t need to be a “pro” to create a garden of splendid and lovely colours in time for spring. With the right location, conditions and tools, you can start planting now in your own garden. After a few months, these springs bulbs will be ready to greet you cheerfully as you welcome the new season!

If you have questions on the perfect flower bulbs for your garden and the tools you will need to start planting, contact your local store where one of our helpful and knowledgeable staff will be happy to help and answer any questions you may have.