How to: Grow bulbs

Kick off a new garden addiction by planting spring-flowering bulbs now.

There’s an irresistible enchantment to spring-flowering bulbs—their transformation from dull, brown bulbs into beautiful flowers in just a few months is nothing short of magic. Plus, no matter where you live, there’s a bulb you can grow, from classic daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths that thrive in chilly winters to freesias, babianas, and sparaxis that flourish in warmer areas. You can get creative with multiple bulb combinations now and fill your pots and garden beds for a spring extravaganza.



When to plant

Bulbs should be planted in autumn to allow roots and foliage to develop through winter. By spring, they’ll be primed to put on their best show.



How much sunlight

Most bulbs prefer full sun, but the following can handle light shade: snowdrops, snowflakes, bluebells, spring starflowers, grape hyacinths, freesias, tritonias, and lily-of-the-valley.







Soil

Always plant bulbs in free-draining soil to prevent rot, and improve it with compost and manure before planting.



In pots

Spring-flowering bulbs are well suited to being grown in pots and can even handle being crowded. Simply select a terracotta, glazed, or plastic pot and fill it with premium quality potting mix along with your chosen bulbs.



Plant depth

Plant bulbs at a depth of 2–3 times their height. For example, a 5cm bulb should be planted 10–15cm deep. Position all bulbs with the pointed end facing up, except for ranunculi and anemones, which should be planted with their pointed ends facing downward.







Ranunculus make stunning cut flowers, but if you can’t bring yourself to snip them, plant a dedicated cutting patch. That way, you can enjoy armfuls of blooms, guilt-free!



1. Plant ranunculus bulbs in big drifts for a superb display.

2. Daffodils and hyacinths are beautiful together.

3. For an abundant display plant bulbs densely in pots.

Caring for your bulbs

• Some bulbs, like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, need 4-6 weeks of chilling in the fridge before planting if your winters are mild. Others can be planted in the garden or pots without pre-chilling.

• Water when the soil is dry and liquid feed mid-winter to help them along.

• After flowering, allow the foliage to die down naturally so the bulb can store energy for next year’s blooms. A second feed at this stage will further support strong growth and better flowering in the following season.

• Lifting is only needed if bulbs have become overcrowded and flowering has reduced.
  
   

"Make it a one-pot-wonder! Plant bulbs and annuals together for a lively show."

 

If you're short on space...

Force bulbs into flowering indoors by filling a shallow bowl with pebbles and water, then placing the bulbs on top. They’ll quickly grow roots into the water, followed by foliage, and flowers will soon appear. Paperwhite jonquils and hyacinths are the most reliable bulbs for forcing. Special-shaped glass vases can also be used to hold a single bulb as well.





 

Layer up

In pots, you can really go to town employing the ‘lasagne method’ of layering larger bulbs deep down, followed by a couple of layers of smaller bulbs above. It creates a very impressive and long-lasting display.





 

Create a floral feast

Spring-flowering bulbs look best when planted in groups, so don’t be stingy when making your purchases. Plant them in prominent locations in garden beds where they’ll really shine. Mass planting under trees or in wilderness areas also looks great.