Optimal Timing for Planting Bulbs: Don't Lateness Rob You of a Brilliant Showcase Next Year

Spring is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about planting those beautiful spring bulbs that will brighten up your garden. Here's a handy guide to help you get started.

Spring bulbs, such as crocus, daffodils, tulips, and alliums, are a delightful sight in the garden when they bloom. Some of these bulbs, like snowdrops and bluebells, can be planted in the green (when they have leaves but have not yet flowered) in late winter. For example, snowdrop bulbs should not be planted later than early October.

Fritillaries, on the other hand, should be planted in September and October, while smaller flowered bulbs such as crocus and scilla are best planted in the first half of October. Daffodil, crocus, and hyacinth bulbs should be planted by the end of September for a March bloom.

Allium bulbs can be planted in late September, October, or November. To flower well, nerine bulbs need to be baked by the sun, so avoid planting them where they will be overshadowed by other plants.

If you're looking to bring a much-needed burst of colour into your home during the winter months, consider forcing bulbs. This is a way to manipulate outdoor spring bulbs so that they flower early.

Summer flowers are ideally planted in September when the soil is still warm, allowing perennials to establish quickly. Autumn-flowering bulbs such as nerines and amarines, and colchicums should be planted by late summer. Summer flowering bulbs, including lilies, dahlias, dierama, gladioli, and crocosmia, can be planted in spring.

For those with limited garden space, planting bulbs in pots offers the potential for a beautiful display on a terrace or balcony. Consider planting combinations, where you want the display to sit, plus the size and style of your pot when planting bulbs in pots.

In cold areas, autumn-flowering bulbs can be mulched after they have finished flowering to give extra protection during wet and cold winters. There is a recommended list of bulb vases available to help you choose the perfect one for your display.

Lastly, there is a guide available on the best spring bulbs to plant. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you make the most of your spring bulb planting. Happy gardening!