Planting bulbs in September and August can be problematic. The extended summers and hot weather in September can mean dry conditions. Plus, most pests will still be very active. It is best to enjoy the summer flowers while they last. Dahlias will flower right up until the first frosts. When the summer flowers have finished it is easier to see where you need to plant your spring flowering bulbs.
Which bulbs can I plant in September?
September is the time to plant your autumn flowering bulbs. We only receive them in August, so there is a small window of opportunity to get them ready for this year. They will activate as soon as the temperatures start to drop, usually flowering in October. These bulbs include Crocus Sativus, Crocus Pulchellus, Cyclamen Hederifolium, Colchicums and Sternbergia.
Because bulbs have a storage of moisture and nutrients within the bulb they will often begin growing before they are planted. The flower grows first. So, if you order them later in the season you might miss the flower for this year. However, the foliage is going to help them flower next year. Plant the bulbs and let the leaves soak up the light and let the roots develop. They will be in a great position to flower next year.
Despite needing the cool weather Crocus Sativus and Sternbergia prefer to be planted in the sun to flower.
Planting Spring bulbs in September
Our current season bulbs (spring flowering) are suitable for planting in September, this includes tulip bulbs, allium bulbs, fritillaria and bluebell bulbs.
Tulip bulbs
You can plant tulip bulbs in September, but it is often recommended that they should be planted in October or November, it depends on your garden and the climate. They are great in borders and pots and are available in a huge range of colours and varieties.
Daffodil bulbs
September is the best month for planting your Daffodil bulbs in the garden. These cheery flowers are easy to grow, they bloom from March onwards and suit anywhere, looking great in pots, formal gardens, or naturalising on grassy banks. Perfect for any garden and any gardener.
Crocus bulbs
Crocus bulbs are easy to grow and perfect for naturalising under trees, shrubs and in lawns, fill your garden with these popular, bright, spring flowers. These early spring flowers bloom from February into March.
Muscari bulbs
Muscari bulbs are great for any garden, they are easy to grow and bursting with vibrant colour, these little flowers pack a punch. They flower from March into April and you can plant them either in pots and borders. Pair them with Tulips and Daffodils to add more variety of colour to your spring garden.
Hyacinth bulbs
September is the perfect time to plant Hyacinth bulbs for March/April flowers to provide both colour and fragrance. Plant them where you can enjoy their gorgeous scent: near doorways, around paths, in borders or in pots on a patio.
Allium Bulbs
Plant allium bulbs in autumn between September and November. Choose from a wide range of sizes, colours and shapes to place in a sunny position in well draining soil, they will flower in late spring, May-June.
Fritillaria bulbs
Fritillaria bulbs should be planted in September and October, they are happiest in well-draining but moist soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position, although Snakes’ Heads don’t mind wet conditions. Fritillaria are fully hardy and are happiest left outdoors throughout the winter. They are available in a range of colours, some plants in this family are quite small and others much larger.
Bluebell bulbs
The easiest most reliable method is to plant bluebells ‘in the green’ in late spring, after they have finished flowering, but they can be planted in September and October. Bluebell bulbs are happiest in well-draining but moist soil and should be planted in naturalistic drifts. in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. They are particularly suited to growing in the shade of deciduous trees, which provide dappled shade in spring and deeper shade in summer.
Storing bulbs
There is no harm in planting your bulbs as soon as you get them as not everyone has room to store them, and some fleshy bulbs don’t like to be out of the ground at all, this keeps them from either drying out or rotting. If you do store your bulbs, they should be in a cool position, out of the sun, with lots of air flow. Leaving bulbs in a bag or a box can cause them to rot. This is why we prefer using netted bags to store our bulbs. We keep bulbs in open trays with fans strategically placed around the warehouse to get the best airflow we can.
