Flowering Bulbs Planting Guide

The season of renewal, our gardens are at their brightest and best in spring. Spring flowering bulbs are a cost-effective way to brighten flowerbeds, borders, pots and containers, and with a myriad of varieties to discover, there is something to suit every space. 

Our simple step-by-step guide will help you get the very best display from your spring flowers.

Consider the look you want to achieve and the requirements of the bulb varieties you have chosen. This can be summarised as the three S’s – sunlight, soil and spread. Check your bulb pack for expected plant growth and sunlight requirements, being careful to avoid overly waterlogged conditions that will rot the bulb. 

Now consider where in your display you want to position each variety. You will need to keep in mind things such as flowering time and its ultimate height. Varied height displays, such as cottage garden themes, create a relax aesthetic, while graduated formal planting schemes ensure each flower is clearly visible throughout the season.

To ensure your bulbs have space to thrive by planting them at the correct depth and distance in your display. This information can be found on the back of the bulb packet. If you no longer have this information, then a general rule is to plant bulbs at a depth that is two to three times their own height. For spacing, aim for approximately two to three times their own width apart.

Using a bulb planter or trowel, ideally with a measuring guide along the side, you can remove the correct amount of soil. Then position the bulbs with the pointed tip facing upwards and cover with soil.

Once planted you should leave the bulbs undisturbed and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged while the roots are developing underground. If you are planting your bulbs through a lawn, avoid mowing the grass so the foliage and flowers can form.

Once flowers appear, continue to keep them well watered but not waterlogged throughout the season.