A Beginner's Guide to Planting Spring Bulbs

21 Mar, 2023

Spring bulbs are the ultimate way to add a pop of colour and fragrance to your garden or patio, and now is the perfect time to get planting. Trust us, there's nothing quite like the feeling of seeing those first shoots peek through the dirt, marking the start of spring. Plus, planting and caring for spring bulbs is a breeze! So, here's all you need to know to add a little bit of magic to your garden this season.

Planting Tips

Bulbs in the Ground

Planting spring bulbs in the ground is easy! Just make sure to plant them in soil that's well-draining and rich in organic matter, or in a special bulb mix. To give your bulbs an extra boost, mix some compost, pumice sand, and gypsum into the soil. And, if your area tends to get a bit soggy, make sure to plant them on a slight mound to keep them dry!

Bulbs in Pots and Containers

Choose a pot that's big enough for the bulbs to be planted at the perfect depth and spacing. Plant into a bulb mix, and ensure that your pots are well-draining and that the bulbs won't be sitting in water-logged soil.

Our Top Varieties

Ranunculus

These ornate, colourful flowers are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your garden. Before planting, give your corms a little spa treatment by soaking them deeply in water for two hours. If you want longer stems, give them a spot with a bit of shade. Water well until the sprouts emerge, and then keep the soil slightly moist.

Available from: late January
Plant: Jan–April
Position: full sun
Depth: 3–4cm
Spacing: 6–8cm

Hyacinth

Hyacinths are the ultimate fragrant, colourful addition to your garden. If you want the best out of your hyacinths, chill the bulbs in the fridge for 4-6 weeks before planting them in the winter to prevent malformed flowers. When the foliage dies back, lift the bulbs and keep them in a paper bag in a cool, dry area so they can be replanted next season.

Available From: late January
Plant: March–April
Position: full sun
Depth: 5–10cm
Spacing: 8–10cm

Anemone

Anemones are the perfect pick for a pop of colour in your garden! These easy-to-grow beauties have colourful flowers that will brighten up any space. For a longer vase life, pick them a couple of days before their flowers open. Anemones offer their best blooms in their first year but will continue to bring colour to your garden year after year.

Available from: late January
Plant: Feb–March
Position: part shade
Depth: 3–4cm
Spacing: 6–8cm

Daffodil

With a large range of varieties to choose from, these fast-establishing beauties will fill out your garden in no time. Plus, they're arguably the easiest bulb to grow, making them a great choice for gardening beginners. Just remember to protect those precious sprouts from those pesky slugs and snails with Quash in the winter, and watch as they flourish.

Available from: early January
Plant: Feb–April
Position: full sun
Depth: 8–10cm
Spacing: 10–12cm

Freesia

Popular for their sweet scent and colourful flowers. As they sprout and establish themselves, they grow little extra bulbs. Once the blooming is done, the original bulb dies, leaving the new bulbs to take over and bring colour and fragrance to your garden next year. Remember to plant with the pointy part of the bulb facing upwards!

Available from: early February
Plant: Jan–April
Position: full sun
Depth: 5–6cm
Spacing: 8–10cm

Tulip

These bulbs arrive in stores around late March, but before you plant them, give them a little "chill time" in the fridge for a few weeks, and plant in late May. This will ensure they bloom beautifully in the spring. Just make sure to keep them dry while chilling! Plant them in a spot where they'll get some shade to keep those blooms looking fresh for longer.

Available from: late March
Plant: March–April
Position: full sun
Depth: 5–8cm
Spacing: 8–10cm

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