Bulbs are by nature seasonal bloomers, so if you plan well and keep on top of planting times, you’ll be able to create an enviable year-round bulb garden full of colour, scent, depth and texture.
There are a few considerations when preparing your year-round bulb garden, including:
- Soil preparation
- Planting and blooming times
- Combinations of bulbs to produce your desired effect
- Digging up, splitting and storing your bulbs between seasons
- Climate and temperature
Ideally, you’ll want to prepare numerous spaces and beds around your garden with good drainage and soil compost composition. Be sure to plan around the areas of light, semi-shade and shade as this will make a big difference to the growth of some bulbs.
Once you have these planned out and prepared, it’s time to consider what to plant, and when. Below we’ve listed our most popular bulbs by blooming season, with a short guide on when you’ll need to plant them to get the best blooms at the right times.
Spring Blooming Bulbs
Bulbs that flower in Spring need to be planted in October to December, in the Autumn months so that the early bloomers such as Snowdrops can start to appear in late February or early March.
The most popular Spring bulbs from early to late include:
- Snowdrops
- Species Iris
- Crocus
- Anemones
- Hyacinths
- Daffodils
- Tulips
- Bluebells
- Alliums
Summer Blooming Bulbs
Bulbs that flower in Summer can be planted in Spring once the frosts have passed, so from late March to April. It is often wise to start them in a cold frame or green house. These bulbs will also need to be dug up before the Winter comes, and stored in cool, dark and dry places to prevent them from rotting.
You’re also then able to separate them before re-planting the following Spring. Some great Summer bulbs include:
- Gladioli
- Begonias
- Summer irises
- Calla and Canna Lilies
- Caladium
- Dahlias
- Peacock Orchid
Autumn Blooming Bulbs
For the best late Summer and Autumn bulbs, plant these around mid-Summer, ensuring that the soil is well-moistened so that the bulbs don’t suffer in the heat. Great Autumn bloomers include:
- Autumn crocus
- Canna Lilies
- Cyclamen
- Nerine
- Sternbergia
For all your bulbs, ensure that you check the planting depths and correct spacing before proceeding, and ensure you water well, and compost and mulch the soil to help with nutrients.
Find out more about our wide range of bulbs, or get planting and care advice from one of our friendly staff. Call us on 01205 260412 or email info@gee-tee.co.uk.