Planting bulbs is one of the great joys of gardening. One of those 'put in the effort now, reap the rewards later' kind of jobs that really pay off. Using a combination of spring flowering bulbs, summer flowering bulbs and even autumn or winter flowering bulbs, you can create beautiful displays to brighten up your garden all year round.
But, in order to enjoy a vibrant garden, you need to know how to plant bulbs - and that's where we can help. In this blog we will cover everything you need to know to successfully plant bulbs for you to refer to whenever you need it. Let's go!
How to plant bulbs - a step-by-step guide
We'll take things step-by-step for you now, so you can follow it simply. The same theory applies whether you are planting bulbs in containers or in beds, but we will highlight any differences as we go.
When should you plant bulbs?
Before we get on to the 'how' we first need to establish the 'when'. There is little point having the perfect technique, if you are let down by planting bulbs at the wrong time of year!
When to plant bulbs depends on when they will flower, so we'll split it into the three main categories:
Spring flowering bulbs: Plant spring bulbs in autumn; daffodil bulbs and hyacinths are best in early autumn, while tulip bulbs are better planted a bit later, in November.
Summer flowering bulbs: Plant summer bulbs in early spring. The Sparaxis Garden Mix is one of our favourite summer bulbs.
Autumn flowering bulbs: These can be planted in late summer.
If you miss any of these optimal times to plant bulbs, don't worry - just get them in the ground as soon as you can. Better down there than rotting in a shed! If you are growing bulbs in containers, you have a bit more flexibility - you can move the bulbs to different places (indoors or a greenhouse) to help them out.
Where should you plant bulbs?
Most bulbs can be planted in containers or in beds - some may be slightly more suited to one over the other, but as a general rule, as long as they have good drainage and soil, they will be fine in either. You may find that the 'showy flowers' are better for containers, but generally flower bulbs work well in either.
Hardy bulbs, like daffodils, prefer a sunny site where the soil temperatures will be higher. Another thing to consider is putting taller bulbs towards the back of your bed, to allow the smaller bulbs to be seen.
Each individual variety will have its own preference when it comes to shade, so always check when you are buying bulbs to see if they will be suited to the spot that you want to grow them.
Planning your bulbs
This is an important step which many people overlook - and they miss out on a huge opportunity here. With a bit of time, you can have nonstop blooms in your garden, with perennials and bulbs working in tandem. Have you ever heard of a 'bulb lasagne'? This is where you layer more bulbs in containers or beds, so that as one dies back, the next one takes its place.
You need to be careful to get them in the right order (the ones that will flower first should be on top), and give each one enough space to ensure the roots can grow. You can combine them with bedding plants, or even some seasonal fruit or veg plants. There are so many options for an adventurous gardener.
Dig a hole
Once you've decided on what to grow, where and when you are planting, it's time to get those bulbs in the ground! First, make sure you have the right bulb planting tools for the job. A widger for small bulbs, a decent hand trowel to dig holes and you can even get a Bulb Planter - not essential but it can make the job easier. The trowel is the most important, though, and you can use that to dig a hole - either directly in your bed, or in your pot or container.
How deep to plant bulbs
Wherever you are planting bulbs, the rule of thumb for the planting depth is to dig three times the bulb's depth, and equal the bulb's width. So if your bulb is around 6cm long, dig about 18cm down. This will give it enough space for root growth.
Place the bulbs
Next, it's time to place your bulbs in the hole, making sure that the bulb's nose is facing upwards. (The bulb's nose is the part where the shoot is beginning to emerge - that needs to be facing up towards the soil surface).
Replace the soil
Once in position, you can replace the (well drained) soil on top of your bulb. It is often a good idea to mix in some garden compost or well rotted organic matter - this will help your bulb get all the nutrients it needs in those early days.
Use the back of a trowel or rake to pat down the soil surface, but try to avoid treading on it so to protect the bulb.
Water
Give them a nice drink of water straight away - especially if the soil is quite dry. Just a quick drink is all that is required if you have moist soil. If you are planting in the autumn, you may be able to get away with not watering, as you'd expect the soil to get plenty of water at that time of year.
Feed
Feeding your bulbs is optional, but it can be helpful, particularly for potted bulbs. You can use a liquid fertiliser, like tomato feed, and that should help flower bulbs. Give them a feed again when shoots begin to appear.
Protect
If you are worried about your bulbs being attacked by birds or squirrels, the best thing to do is place a metal mesh, like chicken wire, over the area. This should make it too difficult for any animals to get at them, while still giving them plenty of sunlight and water.
How to plant bulbs - Conclusion
Planting bulbs is relatively straightforward, but it's important you take a little bit of time to get it right. That planning stage is absolutely critical when you grow bulbs - arranging them and layering them if you fancy that kind of display. That little bit of planning could make or break your garden for the year.
Have a look through our huge range of bulbs, and start planning your dream garden!
