Planting Garden Bulbs

When to plant?

As a general rule, spring flowering bulb planting begins in August or September and usually planting is completed by mid December. Later planting is possible but performance could be less than 100%.

How to plant?

Usually bulbs can be planted the equivalent of at least three times the depth of the bulb, but if in doubt check product packaging for details.

Pick healthy bulbs

Be vigilant when selecting bulbs. Avoid any bulbs that appear unhealthy, desiccated or withered looking. Any bulbs displaying rot or mould should be discarded.

How to plant?

For a more natural and visual impact, bulbs are best planted in random groups or clusters under trees or shrubs or in lawn areas. Bulbs are also ideal for planting in planters, containers, window boxes. Each variety has particular planting requirements in terms of recommended planting depth. As a general rule of thumb for the most popular varieties would indicate a planting depth of 150mm. Plant bulbs in clusters but scatter first to achieve a more natural look. Plant bulbs in group which allows the group to develop and spread over time and plant at the rate of approx fifty bulbs for every m².   

Preparing the planting hole

Prepare ground and planting depth to suit variety and pace some coarse sand or grit at bottom of hole before planting bulbs. This will provide improved drainage during prolonged wet spells or risk of bulbs rotting in heavy soils. Good drainage encourages root development and prevents disease. Some time spent preparing the planting area will yield good dividends in terms of longer and better performing blooms. Inadequate ground preparation will result in poor performance and early casualties.

Popular choices

Daffodils – plant before end of November, plant small varieties including Tete a Tete 75mm deep, other varieties plant 150mm deep.

Snowdrops – can be planted before end of November 75-100mm deep.

Crocuses – plant before end of November approx 50-75mm deep.

Tulips – plant before end of November approx 100mm deep.

Use bulb fertilizer or a slow release bulb food to encourage growth.

When to replace bulbs?

Some bulbs like tulips become weak after a few years and should be replaced. Daffodils on the otherhand become stronger with age, whilst hyacinths reseed and spread. Avoid early cutting the foliage of spent flowers, if cut early the following year’s flowering performance will be severely reduced. Be patient, allow bulbs to build up reserves and should the foliage become unsightly, simply bind the foliage in a bundle with some string and eventually cut when it becomes yellow brown.