Spring Flowering Bulbs

Besides the popular favourites such as Narcissus (daffodil) and Tulipa (tulip)  there are many more spring-flowering bulbs. I like to plant Crocus, Hyacinth, Galanthus (snowdrop) Cyclamen, Fritillaria, Iris, Muscari and Scilla. There are images below of some of the many spring bulbs.

If you are buying spring bulbs loose at the garden centre, select those which are of a good size and firm, just as if you were picking onions from the supermarket. Avoid any that feel soft. 

Plus, do you know you can reuse old compost for spring bulbs? No need to splash out on expensive compost- read more here.

 Planting most spring bulbs is recommended in September, although Hyacinth and Tulips should be planted later, in October or even November.  Checkout the Pinterest pages for ideas and inspiration, Tulips and also Pinterest Spring bulbs. 

The key to getting spring-flowering bulbs to flower successfully, and to reappear and flower again, is planting them at the correct depth (see table on correct planting depths for spring bulbs). Many varieties of tulip do not flower well in subsequent years and are best treated as annuals. There are a few varieties which do flower again and you need to be specific in your selection.

What if you plant bulbs and nothing appears?

I once planted over 50 tulips in a walled border near a pond, and about 5 appeared. Culprits, squirrels and mice. Unfortunately, squirrels can smell the bulbs and often dig them up. If this is a problem where you are, sink some chicken wire over the bulbs to fight off the squirrels.

Daffodils should come back year after year. 

If you are planting a display of spring bulbs, consider the variation of flowering times. We know snowdrops flower early and tulips much later, but there's more to it. Both Daffodils and Tulips each have a range of flowering times including early, mid-season and late. This means if you want certain combinations, say pink tulips with blue forget- me- nots, you will need a late flowering tulip. If you want a combination of red/orange tulip with Daffodil, you will need to check the exact type to ensure they will flower together. 

A quick rule of thumb is to plant all bulbs three times the depth of the type of bulb. This means shallower for smaller bulbs, deeper for large bulbs. For example, a snowdrop, as a tiny bulb, will be planted quite shallow;  a large tulip planting will be deeper around 15cms.  All Spring-flowering bulbs grow well in containers.  Plant in layers when precise depth is less important provided, the bulbs are not planted too shallow.  More about growing daffodils.

Detailed advice and images on how to plant spring bulbs

  Of all the spring bulbs, snowdrops can sometimes be tricky to get started. How to plant and grow snowdrops. Follow these tips and you will have a great Galanthus display.