Before you slip into hibernation for the winter, now is the time to get ready for the joy of bringing beautiful bulbs to life in the coming spring. Bulbs can be planted in pots, tubs, or even old boots or wheelbarrows, if you’re feeling creative. Follow our top tips below for spring bulb success!
Most bulbs prefer a period of coldness (especially in warmer climates), so it’s a good idea to place them in a paper bag in the fridge for about 4-6 weeks before planting.
Not too sure which way is up and which way is down? If it’s unclear which way the bulb needs to be planted then plant the bulb on its side. It’s pretty clever really – the stem will manage to find its own way up.
By planting your bulbs in groups, two weeks apart for a 6-8 week period over autumn, you can be rewarded with up to 3 months of blooms, with new blooms emerging as old ones die off.
Did you know you don’t need to keep your bulbs in the ground after flowering? You can easily lift the bulb and carefully replant it next autumn, just make sure the foliage has died down completely before lifting to ensure you get blooms next spring.
If you are keeping the bulbs in the ground, discreetly mark the position of your bulbs after the foliage has died back with a plastic marker or ice block stick.
For more information on growing bulbs, check out our How to Guide here.