Summer bulb FAQ's - General
Frequently asked questions for our Summer bulb varieties
When should summer bulbs be planted?
Summer-flowering bulbs and plants should be planted between late February and late May. Bulbs should always be planted in the same season which they have been supplied, ideally soon after delivery while they're fresh and most viable. If the growing c
Can summer bulbs be left in the ground all year?
Fully hardy summer-flowering bulbs such as lilies, crocosmia and iris can be left in the ground all year as long as the soil is well-drained. Many summer-flowering bulbs, such as begonias and dahlias, are half-hardy or tender, meaning they will need
Can you plant summer bulbs on top of spring bulbs?
Spring bulbs and summer bulbs have different growth cycles, so they can often share the same space in the garden. It's not the case when planting in pots as the nutrients in the soil can be depleted after the spring bulbs have finished flowering. The
Can summer bulbs be grown in pots?
Most summer bulbs grow very well in pots. When choosing your pot size, check the height, spread and planting depth of the variety you’re planting in the plant specs on the product page. For any variety, allow at least 15cm of compost beneath the bulb
What are the best summer bulbs for pots?
There are plenty of summer bulbs which will grow well in pots. The most popular choices include begonias, callas and dahlias but there are plenty more types to choose from. Browse summer plants and bulbs for pots
What do I do with summer bulbs after flowering?
While the bulbs still have healthy foliage they should be left as they are and not cut back until the end of the growing season in autumn. Faded flowers can be deadheaded, often this will encourage further flowering later in the season. In autumn, fo
Which summer plants can grow in clay soil?
Young plants and bulbs can struggle when planted directly into clay, particularly heavy clay, so it is necessary to start them off in temporary pots with multipurpose compost to allow them to establish a strong root system and some healthy top growth
What can I do with unplanted summer bulbs?
Summer flowering bulbs should be planted between late February and late May. Providing the bulbs still appear viable, they can be planted later but they may not produce the expected results in the first year. Bulbs and plants cannot be stored for too
Do bulbs in pots need fresh compost?
Always use new compost when planting in pots, compost from the previous growing season will be depleted of nutrients. For very deep pots, it is usually fine to just replace the top half of the compost. Fresh compost provides bulbs and bre roots with
Is it too late to plant summer bulbs in June?
Summer flowering bulbs ideally be planted between late February and late May, but you can plant them in June if this is when they have been supplied to you. Unplanted bulbs and bare roots will deteriorate over time and will not survive being stored u
Are summer bulbs perennial?
Most summer bulbs are perennial, but many like dahlias, begonias, cannas and callas are not hardy. This means that they will only grow back next year if the bulb or tuber not exposed to frost over winter. Some summer bulbs are hardy and will grow bac
Which bulbs grow in summer?
There’s a huge range of bulbs which grow and flower in summer, including dahlias, begonias, gladioli, lilies and much more. Summer bulbs need to be planted in spring. Browse summer flowering bulbs
Should you soak summer bulbs before planting?
Most summer bulbs will not need soaking before planting, but should be watered in after planting. Ranunculus and anemones do usually benefit from soaking in water for 3-12 hours prior to planting as this rehydrates them and helps them to come out of
How do I store summer bulbs over winter?
Varieties which are frost tender, such as begonias, cannas and dahlias, should be lifted in autumn. The stems and leaves should be cut back to 5-10cm and the bulb/tuber should be allowed to dry in an airy place for a week or two before storing. They
Which bulbs flower every year?
Perennials grow back and flower every year. It is possible for a plant to be perennial but not hardy. For example, dahlias and begonias are perennial but they are not winter hardy, therefore they need to be protected from frost over winter. When non-
What flowers grow from a bulb?
A huge variety of flowers grow from bulbs, including summer flowering varieties like gladioli and crocosmia and spring flowering varieties like tulips and daffodils. Many summer flowering varieties grow from tubers, corms or rhizomes. These are often
How long does it take for bulbs to grow after planting?
Summer bulbs come out of dormancy at different rates according to their natural growth cycle, temperatures and planting time. Bulbs planted later in spring may start growing much quicker than those which are planted in early spring while still comple
How do I know if my bulbs need watering?
Bulbs don’t require much water while dormant, but should be watered regularly when they start to grow. Once in growth, you should water summer bulbs whenever the top 10-15cm soil feels dry. Soil in pots shouldn’t be allowed to fully dry out. If your
What happens if you plant bulbs at the wrong time?
Bulbs will deteriorate and lose their viability if they are stored for too long, they usually won’t grow once they have lost their freshness and will rot in the soil after planting. Summer bulbs should ideally be planted between late February and lat
What happens if bulbs are not planted deep enough?
If bulbs are not planted deep enough, they may not produce the expected results and it is possible that they may not grow successfully at all. Tall varieties usually need to be planted deeply to help anchor them into the ground. Planting bulbs too sh
Should you water summer bulbs after planting?
You should water-in summer bulbs after planting to settle the soil around them and to rehydrate them. After that, they won’t require much additional water while they are dormant, but you can gradually increase watering once they begin to grow. Bulbs
Is it OK to plant summer bulbs in wet soil?
Bulbs should be planted in soil which is damp, but not excessively wet. If grown in ground which is boggy or waterlogged for long periods, most bulbs are at risk of rotting. Bulbs can be watered in lightly after planting to settle the soil around the
Which way up to you plant a bulb?
Different bulb varieties are very different shapes and sizes, so it’s important to refer to the specific planting instructions for the variety, for detailed guidance on which way up the bulb should be planted. As a general rule for most bulbs, they w
What is the best fertiliser for bulbs?
It’s important to use fresh, good quality compost when planting your summer bulbs, or a rich and fertile garden soil. This should provide enough nutrients to support your bulbs throughout their first season and additional feeding isn’t usually necess
What size pot or hanging basket do I need for my bulbs?
Patio pots or hanging baskets which measure between 30-40cm in diameter are perfect for planting groups of summer bulbs, for example 3-5 begonia or calla bulbs, or one dahlia with a few lower growing varieties around it. If starting your bulbs in tem