When Should You Plant Spring Bulbs

Spring bulbs should be planted in autumn, ideally between late September and November in the UK. This gives them time to establish roots before the ground freezes. The aim is to plant early enough for bulbs to settle in, but not so early that warm soil temperatures trigger premature growth. Tulips, for instance, are best planted in November to avoid fungal problems, while daffodils and crocuses can go in earlier.

Getting Started

Spring bulbs offer early colour after the winter months, but timing and prep are everything. Before buying or planting, understand what types of bulbs you're dealing with, the space you have, and how much sunlight the spot receives. A bit of planning saves time and disappointment later.

Which bulbs should I choose?

Choose firm, healthy bulbs with no signs of mould or softness. Different bulbs bloom at different times, so mix early- and late-flowering types for a longer display. Daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses bloom early, while tulips and alliums come later in spring. Select bulbs suited to your soil and garden style—naturalised lawns, containers or formal beds.

How do I prepare the Ground

Well-drained soil is essential. Most bulbs rot in waterlogged conditions, so improve drainage with grit or compost if needed. Dig over the soil, removing weeds and stones, and enrich it with organic matter. A little prep goes a long way in encouraging strong, healthy blooms come spring.

Sowing the bulbs

Bulbs are not sown like seeds but planted at a specific depth—generally two to three times the height of the bulb. Plant them pointy end up, and cover with soil. If planting in containers, make sure there are drainage holes and use a free-draining compost mix. For naturalised settings, scatter bulbs randomly and plant where they fall.

Whats the best way to plant the bulbs

Space bulbs according to their size and variety. Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to disease. For beds and borders, use a trowel or bulb planter to get consistent depth. In pots, layer bulbs in what’s known as a bulb lasagne—larger, later-flowering bulbs go at the bottom, with smaller, earlier ones near the top.

Caring for the bulbs and plants

After planting, water well to help settle the soil around the bulbs. Over winter, leave them alone. Come spring, let foliage die back naturally after flowering—this feeds the bulb for next year. Don’t tie leaves or cut them too early. You can feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering if you want to boost future growth.

Pruning

Spring bulbs don’t need pruning, but deadheading helps prevent energy going into seed production. Focus on removing faded flowers, not the foliage. There’s no need to stake or train, although taller varieties in exposed areas may benefit from shelter against wind damage.

Harvesting

Spring bulbs are usually grown for blooms rather than cutting, but many make excellent cut flowers. Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths all last well in a vase. Cut them early in the morning when flowers are just beginning to open for the best vase life.

Whats the best wat to Store the bulbs

Most spring bulbs can be left in the ground year-round, especially naturalised ones. In containers, or if lifting is needed for soil health or design reasons, allow the foliage to die back, lift the bulbs, and dry them. Store in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, away from pests.

Potential problems

Main issues include rot from poor drainage, squirrels digging up freshly planted bulbs, and fungal diseases like tulip fire. Use netting or gravel mulch to deter pests, and plant at the right depth to avoid frost damage. Buying quality bulbs and avoiding overcrowding also reduces risk of disease.

Regional Differences Across the UK

While most of the UK follows a similar autumn planting schedule, local microclimates matter. In colder northern regions or higher elevations, aim to plant bulbs earlier—late September to early October—so they have time to root before frost. In milder southern areas, you can push planting into November without issue, especially for tulips.

What Happens If You Plant Too Late?

If you miss the ideal window and are planting in December or even January, don’t panic. As long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, bulbs can still be planted. They might flower a bit later than usual but often catch up. Tulips, in particular, handle late planting well.

Why Autumn Planting Works

Spring bulbs are hardy perennials that need a period of cold dormancy to flower properly. This cold exposure triggers biochemical changes that break dormancy and prompt spring blooming. Planting in autumn gives them time to establish roots and settle in before the winter chill.

Chilling Period for Warmer Climates

For gardeners in warmer areas or urban microclimates, some bulbs may not get enough natural chill. In that case, certain varieties (like hyacinths or tulips) can be pre-chilled in the fridge for 6–10 weeks before planting. Don’t store them near fruit, though—ethylene gas can damage them.

Naturalising vs. Formal Planting

If you’re planting bulbs to naturalise in grass or woodland areas, timing still matters. Early autumn is best so they can root well before winter. Unlike formal beds, naturalised bulbs are often left undisturbed for years, so initial planting care—good depth, spacing, and soil prep—has a long-term payoff.

Bulbs for Pollinators

Spring bulbs are some of the first food sources for pollinators after winter. Crocuses, snowdrops, and early daffodils are especially valuable to bees in early spring. Planting a variety that flowers across March to May helps extend that nectar window.

Companion Planting Considerations

Some gardeners use bulbs under deciduous shrubs or around the base of summer perennials. Since bulbs bloom and die back early, they won’t compete heavily with later-growing plants. It’s a good way to use garden space efficiently.

Soil pH and Fertility

While most spring bulbs tolerate a range of soils, they prefer neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers which can encourage leaf growth over blooms. A light feed of potash-rich fertiliser in autumn or post-flowering boosts future performance.