Spring Bulb FAQ's - General
Frequently asked questions for spring bulb range
When should you plant spring bulbs?
Spring-flowering bulbs should be planted between September and December—most varieties need several weeks in the soil in cool conditions in order to flower during spring. Flower bulbs should always be planted in the season that they are supplied to y
How deep do you plant spring bulbs?
As a general rule, bulbs like to be planted at a depth that is 2-3 times the height of the bulb. There are some exceptions—you can check the recommended planting depth for specific varieties in our detailed planting and care instructions.
Should you soak spring bulbs before planting?
Bulbs don't need to be soaked prior to planting, although we do recommend that anemone and ranunculus bulbs are given a soak in water for 6-12 hours prior to planting. These bulbs normally appear dehydrated/shrivelled on arrival, but after a soak in
How long do bulbs take to grow?
Most spring bulbs remain dormant through winter and sprout from early spring onwards. Some varieties may not start to sprout until later in the spring when the weather is warmer. Bulbs planted in early autumn may start to sprout leaves before becomin
Is it ok to plant spring bulbs in wet soil?
You can plant bulbs and tubers in wet, but not waterlogged, soil. Bulbs grow best in well drained soils, it is not recommended for the majority of bulbs to be planted in soils which remain very wet or waterlogged as the excess moisture can cause them
How do I store my spring bulbs until I’m ready to plant them?
You should unpack your parcel as soon as it arrives and open up the packets. We advise that all bulbs and plants are planted as soon as possible while fresh. Storing them for weeks can result in the bulbs naturally deteriorating. If you are unable to
What happens if you plant at the wrong time?
Bulbs are most often very determined to survive and can still do well if planted late, however if planting very late you may find that some bulbs have started to naturally deteriorate and need to be discarded. Any bulbs which have turned soft, become
Can you leave sping bulbs in the ground all year?
Most perennial spring bulbs should remain in the ground all year round. Perennial varieties will return year after year where they were originally planted. You can also relocate them while they’re dormant, either in late spring or early autumn.
Can I store my bulbs and plant them next year?
Bulbs must be planted within the same season they are supplied and cannot be stored until the next year. Bulbs and bare root perennials must complete a growth cycle every year in order to survive. Naturally, bulbs and plants will deteriorate if store
What happens if you plant a bulb upside down?
Bulbs should be planted the correct way up to ensure the best growth, but if a bulb is planted on its side it will often grow normally. Bulbs planted upside down, may still manage to grow but will generally not survive long as this causes considerabl
Do you water spring bulbs in pots over winter?
Bulbs like to be in a growing medium which is kept moist, but well-drained. If pots are under cover, or if there is very little rain through the winter and early spring, then they will need watering. You can check to see if they need watering by gent
What do you do after bulbs have flowered?
You can either leave bulbs planted where they are, or you can lift them once they have fully died back and store them in a cool, dry place over summer and replant them the following autumn. After they have finished flowering, it is a good idea to sni
How many bulbs can you plant together?
Generally speaking, bulbs should be planted at a spacing of at least 2-3 times the width of the bulb. You can refer to our handy Bulbs per m2 guide for a rough idea of how many you'll need to fill a space.
Can you plant multiple bulbs together?
You can plant different varieties together to create a combination. This works well providing all varieties enjoy the same growing conditions and aspect. You can layer bulbs in a large pot for an extended period of interest—you can see an example of
How many flowers do you get from one bulb?
For most spring bulbs, one bulb will produce one flower stem or one cluster of stems. The amount of flowers produced on the stem depends on the variety in question. Some bulb types may produce one stem with multiple blooms, others produce one large b
What happens if bulbs are not planted deep enough?
Most bulbs should be planted 2-3 times their own height. Bulbs that are too shallow can often fail to perform as the bulb does not have sufficient distance from the top of the bulb to the surface of the soil to support the above ground parts of the f
Which way do you put a flower bulb in the ground?
Usually, spring bulbs have a pointed end and rounded end, but it is not always the case. Bulbs should be planted with the pointed tip or any obvious growing points facing upwards. If it is unclear which way to plant your bulbs, corms, rhizomes or tub
What do you add to soil when planting bulbs?
There’s no need to add anything to a good quality multipurpose compost when planting spring bulbs. If you are planting directly into beds and borders where the soil is heavy clay or very dry and sandy, you may like to dig in some well-rotted leaf mol