When to Plant Spring Bulbs

Spring-flowering bulbs should be planted in autumn, giving them time to establish roots before winter sets in. The general window is September to November, though earlier planting is better for most bulbs. Hardy varieties like daffodils and crocuses can go in from early September, while tulips are best planted a bit later—around October or even November—to reduce the risk of diseases like tulip fire. Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground, but don’t delay so long that growth is compromised.

When, where and what to plant for the perfect spring bulbs

Planning ahead is key to a great spring display. Most spring bulbs love sunny spots with well-drained soil, although some, like snowdrops or wood anemones, prefer partial shade. Group bulbs together in odd numbers for natural-looking clusters. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in grit or plant in raised beds or containers to improve drainage. Think about bloom times and plant a mix—from early snowdrops in January to late tulips in May—for a long flowering season.

Spring bulbs to plant in autumn

Autumn is the time to get classic spring bulbs in the ground. Popular choices include:

• Daffodils (Narcissus) – Easy and reliable, blooming from February through April depending on the type.

• Tulips – Best planted later in the season; choose from early, mid or late bloomers.

• Hyacinths – Highly scented and colourful, flowering in early to mid-spring.

• Crocuses – Some of the earliest to appear, perfect for lawns and borders.

• Alliums – Striking globes of colour that add height in late spring.

• Iris reticulata – Low-growing, ideal for the front of borders or pots.

• Fritillaries – Such as snake’s head fritillary, great for damp or naturalised areas.

• Chionodoxa and Scilla – Low-growing bulbs that spread easily and light up shady corners.

10 bulbs for spring cut flowers

Spring bulbs are brilliant for cutting and bringing indoors. These ten are perfect for vases:

• Tulip

• Daffodil

• Hyacinth

• Allium

• Dutch Iris

• Anemone

• Muscari

• Narcissus ‘Paperwhite’

• Fritillaria meleagris

• Ranunculus

Plant in bulk to ensure you’ve got plenty to pick without thinning out your borders too much. Some, like ranunculus, benefit from pre-soaking before planting.

Bulb types explained

Not all bulbs are created equal. Here's a quick breakdown:

• True bulbs (like tulips and daffodils) have a layered structure, storing all the nutrients needed for growth.

• Corms (like crocuses and gladioli) are solid and regenerate each year.

• Rhizomes (like iris) spread horizontally and can be divided regularly.

• Tubers (like anemones and ranunculus) are irregular-shaped and need slightly different care, often soaking before planting.

Understanding the bulb type helps you plant and maintain them correctly for better results.

The best bulbs for pots

If space is tight or your soil is unsuitable, pots are a great option. Choose dwarf or compact varieties that don’t need deep planting. Top picks for containers include:

• Dwarf tulips

• Crocuses

• Miniature daffodils like ‘Tête-à-Tête’

• Hyacinths

• Iris reticulata

• Muscari

Use a good quality potting mix with added grit for drainage. Layering bulbs (a technique known as ‘lasagne planting’) allows for continuous flowering from early to late spring.

Guide to bulb planting depths

As a rule of thumb, bulbs should be planted at a depth two to three times their height. Shallow planting risks poor flowering or frost damage. Here’s a rough guide:

• Tulips: 15–20cm deep

• Daffodils: 10–15cm

• Crocuses: 7–10cm

• Hyacinths: 10–15cm

• Iris reticulata: 8–10cm

Always plant with the pointed end facing up and flat end down. In heavier soils, go a bit shallower but improve drainage to avoid rotting.

How to plant spring bulbs successfully

Start by preparing the soil—remove weeds, dig over, and mix in compost or grit if needed. Dig holes or trenches to the correct depth and place bulbs with the pointy end up. Space them appropriately, firm the soil back over, and water lightly. After planting, leave them undisturbed—most bulbs don’t like being moved once they settle in. In very wet or cold areas, consider covering beds with fleece or mulch until shoots appear.

Soil temperature matters more than the calendar

While the usual advice is to plant bulbs from September to November, what really matters is soil temperature. Bulbs root best when the soil has cooled to around 13°C or lower. This is especially important for tulips, which benefit from being planted later to avoid fungal issues like tulip fire. If the weather is still mild in October, hold off a bit longer—especially in southern UK regions.

Chilling requirements for some bulbs

Certain bulbs—like hyacinths and tulips—benefit from a period of cold to flower properly. This isn’t an issue outdoors in the UK climate, but if you're forcing bulbs indoors (for early flowering), chilling them in the fridge for 10–12 weeks before planting helps trigger blooming. Just don’t store them near fruit—ethylene gas from ripening apples or bananas can damage them.

Don’t forget drainage

Poor drainage is the number one reason bulbs fail. Even if the topsoil looks fine, compacted or clay-heavy subsoil can trap water and rot bulbs over winter. In wetter areas, raise beds slightly or plant bulbs on a slight slope so water drains away. Adding a handful of grit beneath each bulb is a small step that can make a big difference.

Protecting bulbs from pests

Squirrels love digging up freshly planted bulbs, especially tulips and crocuses. To protect them, you can cover newly planted areas with chicken wire or mesh until growth appears. In containers, placing grit or a mulch layer on top can deter digging. Bulbs like daffodils and alliums are generally pest-resistant due to their bitter taste.

Mark your planting areas

It’s easy to forget where you’ve planted bulbs once the soil settles. Use discreet plant markers or take a photo of the layout. This helps avoid accidental digging later in the season and lets you plan companion plantings more effectively.

Think beyond spring

Some bulbs—like Camassia, Erythronium, or late alliums—bloom at the tail end of spring or early summer. Including a few of these in your planting scheme helps bridge the gap between spring colour and summer growth, keeping your garden looking full and active.