As part of our ‘Autumn is for Planting’ campaign, this week we are focusing on how planting spring bulbs in autumn will reward you with a garden full of colour next spring.
Spring bulbs are some of the first plants to light up the garden in the new year, providing bursts of vibrant colour before most shrubs and perennials emerge from their winter dormancy.
Why Should Spring Bulbs Be Planted in Autumn?
Spring bulbs prefer to be planted in autumn while the soil is still relatively warm, as this gives their roots time to develop before growth slows in colder weather. Seasonal rainfall also helps to keep the surrounding soil moist, preventing bulbs sitting in dry soil after they’ve been planted. Together, these conditions give spring bulbs the time and moisture they need to establish successfully before winter weather arrives.
Depending on which bulbs you want to add to your garden, they may need to be planted at different times. For example, daffodils and crocuses are best planted between September and October, while tulips prefer to be planted towards November to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
How to Plant Spring Bulbs
You can plant spring bulbs either directly in the ground or in containers.
Most bulbs prefer a warm, sunny position with free-draining soil, although planting requirements can vary between varieties.
Choosing the right position will help your bulbs establish well and give them the best conditions for healthy growth and plenty of spring colour.
Planting in containers:
- Choose a suitable container with plenty of drainage holes
- Use a peat-free compost and mix in some grit to improve drainage
- Plant bulbs at around three times their depth, spacing them approximately one bulb’s width apart
- Water well after planting
Planting into borders:
- Dig your planting hole around two to three times the depth of the bulb
- Space them out at least twice the bulb’s width apart, or for a fuller display plant bulbs together in groups of six or more
- Position the bulbs with the pointed end or shoot facing upwards
- Cover with soil and gently firm the surface with the back of a rake, avoiding treading over the planted area
- Water well after planting
Caring for Spring Bulbs
If you have planted your bulbs in containers, water them as needed once they are in active growth. During autumn and winter, seasonal rainfall will often provide sufficient moisture, but you should check on your containers during prolonged dry spells.
Bulbs which are planted in borders generally require less watering after planting, particularly if there is seasonal rainfall. If conditions are dry, you should ensure that the soil does not completely dry out, especially while your bulbs are establishing.
To promote good flowering for the following year, feed your bulbs with a high-potassium fertiliser, such as liquid tomato feed, once shoots begin to appear. Feeding requirements can vary between bulbs, so we recommend always checking feeding advice for the varieties you are planting.
Planting a Bulb Lasagne This Autumn
A bulb lasagne is a gardening technique where you layer different types of spring-flowering bulbs in a single deep pot to create a succession of blooms throughout spring. This is achieved through planting bulbs together that flower at different times.
Start by placing the largest and latest-flowering bulbs at the bottom of your pot, then add progressively smaller and earlier-flowering bulbs above them. For example, you could plant tulips at the bottom, followed by daffodils in the middle layer and crocuses at the top, to provide a succession of flowers throughout spring.
Planting your bulb lasagne this autumn means that you’ll be rewarded in spring with a pot full of continuous blooms, as your bulbs have had time to establish healthy roots before flowering demands.
Things to Watch Out For
Spring bulbs require relatively little effort for planting, but the rewards can be huge. Here are a few things you should watch out for after planting your bulbs to ensure they have beautiful blooms.
Waterlogged or poorly drained soil can cause bulbs to rot, meaning they may become soft and fail to emerge.
You can help to prevent this by planting bulbs in free-draining soil. For containers, mixing grit with peat-free compost can help to improve drainage.
Occasionally, freshly planted bulbs can be dug up by squirrels and other animals. If this becomes an issue, you can cover bulbs with wire mesh to prevent animals getting to them. The mesh should be removed once shoots begin to emerge in spring.
Slugs and snails can damage young shoots and flowers, especially during damp weather. You can reduce slug and snail damage to your bulbs by removing them by hand or using suitable biological controls.
A few simple precautions now will help your bulbs get off to the best possible start.
Plant Now for Spring Colour
Planting spring bulbs this autumn gives them time to establish before winter, ready to burst into life when warmer weather returns.
Just a few hours spent planting now can transform your borders and containers with vibrant colour next spring, providing an uplifting display.
Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today or shop online to explore our collection of spring bulbs that are ready to be planted in your garden!
Remember to watch our newest YouTube video to find out more about planting your own bulb lasagne this autumn!
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