Spring bulbs: The colourful start to your spring
Autumn is a time of preparation and anticipation in the garden. As the leaves fall from the trees and temperatures drop, it's time to start thinking about the colourful spring ahead. At Natural Bulbs, we know how important spring bulbs are to bring your garden to life in early spring. In this blog, we will share everything you need to know about choosing, planting and caring for spring bulbs so that you'll get to enjoy a colourful garden.
Why plant spring bulbs?
Spring bulbs are a great way to bring colour and life into your garden after the long, cold winter months. They bloom early in the year and add a cheerful touch to the garden. In addition, they are a valuable food source for bees and other pollinators looking for nectar in early spring. By planting spring bulbs, you are contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in your garden, and you'll get to enjoy them too.
Which spring bulbs will you choose?
There are a whole host of spring bulbs to choose from, each with their own unique charm and flowering time. To get you started, we have listed some popular varieties:
1. Crocuses (Crocus)
Crocuses are colourful, early bloomers often found in purple, yellow and white. They bloom from February to March and are perfect for borders, lawns and pots. Plant them in clusters for a playful effect.
2. Daffodils (Narcissus)
Daffodils are classic spring bloomers that come in a variety of colours such as yellow, white and orange. They flower from March to May and are ideal for borders and pots. Daffodils naturalise easily, meaning they come back every year.
3. Tulips (Tulipa)
Tulips are probably the most famous spring bulbs and can be found in (almost) all colours and shapes. They bloom from April to May and are a real eye-catcher in any garden. Tulips like a sunny spot and well-drained soil.
4. Grape hyacinths (Muscari)
Grape hyacinths are small, blue-purple flowers that bloom in April and May. They are perfect for adding a splash of colour to the edges of borders and pots. Blue grapes also naturalise well and proliferate every year. They come in white and pink too!
How and when to plant spring bulbs?
Planting spring bulbs is easy and requires only a few steps:
- The right time
Plant spring bulbs in autumn, from late September to early December. This gives the bulbs enough time to form roots before winter sets in. Plant the bulbs before the soil freezes, preferably when the soil temperature is around 9 degrees Celsius. - The perfect spot
Spring bulbs like sunny or slightly shaded areas with permeable soil. Avoid wet soil as it can cause the bulbs to rot. Add compost or organic material to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. - Planting depth and distance
Plant the bulbs two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall, with the tip pointing upwards. Maintain a planting distance of about 5 to 10 centimetres, depending on the size of the bulb. For a natural effect, scatter the bulbs loosely on the ground and plant them where they fall.
Potting and the lasagne method
If you want to plant spring bulbs in pots, use a frost-resistant pot with drainage holes. Plant the bulbs in layers, with the later bloomers at the bottom and the early bloomers at the top. This 'lasagne method' ensures a longer flowering period. Add winter violets at the top for an attractive winter look.
Inspired? Check out our bulb lasagne kits here!
Spring bulbs care tips
- Watering: Water the bulbs immediately after planting and make sure the soil is kept moist, but not too wet.
- Protection against frost: Cover the bulbs during severe frost to prevent damage. For example, use straw, leaves or other loose plant parts.
- Leave the leaves: Leave leaves after flowering until they die off on their own. The leaves feed the bulbs for the following year.
At Natural Bulbs, we are committed to organically grown bulbs for a healthy garden and thriving biodiversity. By choosing our organic spring bulbs, you are contributing to a sustainable future for both your garden and nature. Start planning your spring paradise today and look forward to a colourful and cheerful spring!