Hi, I'm Sarah. In this article, I share my knowledge about flower bulbs with you, supplemented with some research. I sincerely hope you find it helpful.
“Plant bulbs and harvest a smile”, a motto I personally completely agree with. My sons, aged 1 and 3, love helping out with it.
You plant flower bulbs in the autumn, from September to November. Getting my hands in the dirt gives me some welcome inner peace and joy between naps, housework, and my job. Then, they can take their time to root deeply during the autumn before stealing the show very early in the year.
Planting types of bulbs
Bulbs can be divided into two types: spring-flowering bulbs and summer bulbs. The distinction is important because each has a separate planting period.
When do the flower bulbs start peeking through?
Flower bulbs are small packages of flower power that make us wait weeks, sometimes months, for results. But when they finally arrive, the wait was well and truly worth it. Flowers that you grow from bulbs are also often responsible for the first pollen that attracts beneficial insects in the spring. They provide the first food source. In the spring, we enjoy the first flowers that come from the flower bulbs, which is always a special moment. The sight of all that floral beauty is a real boost when the days are often still short and dark, and you attract beneficial insects to your garden with them—a win-win!
Spring-flowering bulbs
Spring-flowering bulbs are loved worldwide for their brilliant colors and their weather-resistant blooming power. The earliest bulbs begin to bloom as the snow melts, and the others quickly follow, providing months of color while most other plants are still waking up. Once in the ground, the bulbs quickly develop a root system before going dormant until late winter or early spring. Spring bulbs need a cold period to bloom well in the spring. During this cold period, the bulbs develop strong roots, which is essential for successful growth and flowering.
Spring-flowering bulbs include:
Snowdrops (blooming period: January and February)
Crocuses (blooming period: February and March)
Daffodils (blooming period: February through May) – A daffodil plant must be planted in the autumn so that it has enough time to root and take advantage of the cold period for a rich bloom in the spring.
Tulips (blooming period: mid-March to May)
Hyacinths (blooming period: March to May)
Grape Hyacinths - Muscari (blooming period: March to May)
Allium - Ornamental Onion (blooming period: May to June)
Summer bulbs, small bulbs, and large bulbs
Summer-flowering bulbs include:
Lilies, calla lilies, and cannas (blooming period: June to August)
Gladioli (blooming period: July to September)
Ranunculus (blooming period: June to August)
Begonias and freesias (blooming period: June to November)
Dahlias (blooming period: August to November)
Summer-flowering bulbs, such as dahlias, can be planted in open ground as well as in pots or planters. This makes them ideal for gardens, but also for balconies and terraces.
Dahlias are excellent for planting in a pot or planter. Pots are a great option if you have limited space or want to create a colorful display on your balcony or terrace. This also allows you to easily protect frost-sensitive bulbs and remove them from the pot in autumn to store them frost-free for the next season.
Soil preparation
Proper soil preparation is the true foundation for a garden brimming with beautiful flowers. Whether you choose spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, or those sweet little grape hyacinths, or opt for summer-flowering bulbs like dahlias and gladioli: getting off to the right start really makes the difference.
Always start by loosening the soil where you want to plant your bulbs. Most flower bulbs love well-draining, airy soil. This prevents your bulbs from sitting in too much water in winter or after a heavy rain shower and rotting—which is definitely something you want to avoid! Especially for spring-flowering bulbs, which you plant in autumn, it is helpful if the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Do you have heavy clay soil? Simply mix in some compost or sand to improve drainage.
When planting your flower bulbs, always add some organic fertilizer. This gives the bulbs a great start and ensures they will bloom abundantly in spring or summer. Organic flower bulbs especially benefit from a healthy, nutrient-rich soil and contribute to a garden full of life.
Pay close attention to planting depth: most flower bulbs should be planted two to three times as deep as the height of the bulb. So, a bulb that is 4 cm high should be planted at a depth of 8 to 12 cm. The planting distance depends on the type of flower bulb, but as a general rule, you can use three to five times the width of the bulb. This gives your bulbs enough room to grow well and prevents them from crowding each other out.
After planting, lightly press the soil down and water them so the roots make good contact with the earth. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet—your bulbs don't like "wet feet"! In spring, when the first green tips appear, you can treat them with a little extra fertilizer and regular watering. Don't forget to deadhead faded flowers; this gives your bulbs the chance to store energy for the following season.
Do you want to enjoy all kinds of flowers throughout the year? Combine spring-flowering bulbs with summer-flowering bulbs and perennials. By choosing organic flower bulbs and storing the spent bulbs, you build a garden that gets more beautiful year after year. This way, you can enjoy a colorful spectacle every spring and summer, right in your own garden!
Planting organic flower bulbs
Flower bulbs, planted in a dormant state, are little powerhouses that bloom a few months later, creating a beautiful display of colorful flowers. It is important to put flower bulbs in the ground at the right time for good blooming. Planting bulbs in autumn guarantees a colorful spring bloom. The term "bulb" often refers not only to true bulbs like daffodils and tulips but also to tubers (like Dahlias) and corms (like ranunculus).
If you want to plant flower bulbs, pay attention to the correct planting depth: usually two to three times the height of the bulb, with sufficient space in between. Plant the bulbs with the point facing up and ensure the soil is well-draining. Plant your flower bulbs in a sunny spot or in light shade and optionally use special potting soil for the best results.
When to plant flower bulbs?
When to plant flower bulbs depends on when they bloom.
Plant spring bloomers between October and December. This gives them time to cool down sufficiently before they put on their spectacular show months later. If you plant them too late, the bulb won't have enough time to take root well and form a sturdy plant for the following spring. Ideally, spring bulbs should be planted at least six weeks before the ground freezes, while temperatures are cool and the ground is not yet hard. Preferably, plant spring bulbs before the first night frost. October is ideal. This also gives early spring bloomers, such as snowdrops or crocuses, enough time to cool down and internally develop flowers. In spring, you can plant new flower bulbs for a colorful garden.
Summer bulbs, on the other hand, are not resistant to cold temperatures and should only be planted once the soil has warmed up (mid-April to May) and there is no longer a risk of frost. Only put summer bulbs in the ground after the last night frost to prevent frost damage. If you buy them before mid-April, store the flower bulbs in a dry place until the joyous day arrives that you can plant them out.
It is important to store flower bulbs under the right conditions. Store flower bulbs in a dry, cool, and dark place with sufficient ventilation to prevent mold and rot. This keeps them healthy until the moment of planting.
Where to plant flower bulbs?
As long as you ensure your bulbs have good drainage and sunlight, you can plant them almost anywhere. Drainage is essential to prevent bulbs from rotting. They love loamy or slightly sandy soil, as this provides the drainage and nutrients they need.
Flower bulbs are also very suitable for planting in a border, where they add extra color and variety to the garden.
You can plant spring bloomers under fruit trees, small fruits, or grapevines; this gives them enough sun to bloom before the leaves of the tree block the light.
How deep to plant flower bulbs?
Not sure how deep you should plant your bulbs? You're not the only one; it's a common question for gardeners. In general, dig a hole that is two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall. So, if you have a 3 cm tall bulb, dig a hole 6 to 9 centimeters deep. Of course, there are always exceptions, so check the planting instructions on the packaging of the bulbs for more information.
Are you planting your bulbs in pots? Always use potting soil for a good start and healthy growth.
The next frequently asked question when planting bulbs is: “How do I know which side is up?”. If the bulb has a pointed end, that is usually the side that faces upward. If you don't see a pointed end, look at where the roots emerge—that end goes downward.
Maintain the same planting distance in width: bulbs of 6 cm should therefore be planted about 18 cm deep and 18 cm apart.
After planting, water them so the bulbs get enough moisture to start the growth process. Once conditions are right, the bulbs will start growing and develop into strong plants.
Tip: Like most plants, flower bulbs love well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Mix compost into the planting holes for your bulbs to ensure good flowering. This is especially important if you have heavy clay soil or soil that remains wet.
How do you store flower bulbs?
Storing flower bulbs requires some attention, but fortunately, it is not difficult. You start by carefully lifting the bulbs after the foliage has died back completely. Then, let them dry for a few days in an airy, warm place – away from direct sunlight. Once they are thoroughly dry, remove any excess soil and dead plant debris. Now you can store them. Choose a cardboard box, a paper bag, or a wooden crate, and lay the flower bulbs out in a single layer. Ensure the spot is dry, dark, and has sufficient ventilation. A temperature between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius (50–59°F) is ideal. Think of a cellar or a shed that does not freeze. Check the bulbs regularly during the winter for mold or rot. By storing them this way, your flower bulbs will remain healthy and ready to sprout into a colorful bloom next season. It’s a minimal effort that gives your garden a cheerful start every year.
Where can you buy flower bulbs?
You can buy flower bulbs in our webshop. The flower bulbs are available based on their planting season. In the autumn, spring-flowering bulbs are offered, and in the spring, summer-flowering bulbs. We have a wide range of flower bulbs packed by variety, as well as lovely curated collections. Perfect for gifting. Here is some inspiration below:
If you find this flower bulb article valuable, please consider purchasing your flower bulbs in our webshop. That makes it possible for us to share as much free knowledge as possible on our blog and our YouTube channel 'Plukkers TV'.
I hope you get to admire countless flowers in your garden and in numerous vases.
Best regards, Sarah
