A Dash of Colour with Spring Bulbs

27 Feb, 2024

Add vibrant pops of colour and fragrance to your garden with spring bulbs. As autumn sets in, now is the best time to get planting to enjoy stunning blooms come spring. Planting spring bulbs is a breeze, so here’s our guide for everything you need to know.

Planting Tips

When planting directly into the ground, ensure your soil is well-draining, and rich in organic matter. Alternatively, you can plant in a specialised bulb mix such as Tui Bulb Mix. For an extra boost, mix in Kings Compost, pumice sand and gypsum at planting time. If the garden tends to get a bit soggy, plant your bulbs into a slight mound.

When planting in pots and containers, be sure to choose a pot that’s large enough for the bulbs to be planted at their ideal depth and spacing. We recommend planting into a bulb mix, such as Tui Bulb Mix, and ensure that your pots are well-draining.


Our Top Varieties

Freesia

While freesias are getting established, they also grow little extra bulbs, which will take over the following year. Freesias will bring colour and fragrance to your garden year after year, just remember to plant with the pointy part of the bulb facing upwards!
Available from: early February
Plant: Feb–April
Position: full sun
Depth: 5–6cm
Spacing: 8–10cm

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Anemone

For pops of vibrant colour year after year, anemones are the perfect choice for your garden. They are easy to grow, and are stunning in cut flower arrangements. For a longer vase life, pick them a couple of days before their flowers open.
Available from: late January
Plant: Feb–March
Position: part shade
Depth: 3–4cm
Spacing: 6–8cm

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Ranunculus

With elegant, ornate style, ranunculus will bring a unique vibe to your outdoor space. Before planting, soak corms in water for a couple of hours to break their dormancy. For longer stems that will suit cut flower arrangements, choose a shady spot.
Available from: late January
Plant: Jan–April
Position: full sun
Depth: 3–4cm
Spacing: 6–8cm

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Hyacinth

Fragrant and colourful, hyacinth are the ultimate addition to your garden. Chill them in the fridge for four to six weeks before planting, as this will prevent malformed flowers. Once they have finished flowering and the foliage has died back, lift the bulbs and store in a paper bag, in a cool, dry area to replant next season.
Available From: late January
Plant: March–April
Position: full sun
Depth: 5–10cm
Spacing: 8–10cm

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Daffodil

These fast-establishing spring bulbs will fill your garden with their vibrant colour in no time. They are easy to grow, and with so many varieties to choose from, what’s not to love? Be sure to protect them from slugs and snails with Tui Quash during the winter months, to keep them looking beautiful throughout their flowering season.
Available from: early January
Plant: Feb–April
Position: full sun
Depth: 8–10cm
Spacing: 10–12cm

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Tulip

Tulips are great for adding a splash of colour and simple elegance to your outdoor space. Arriving in stores from late March, tulips need a little chill time in the fridge before being ready to plant in late May. This cold spell will ensure beautiful blooms and healthy growth once spring comes.
Available from: late March
Plant: March–April
Position: full sun
Depth: 5–8cm
Spacing: 8–10cm

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