Spring flowering

From February to July — how to fill the whole of spring with flowers

Organically grown — good for the bulb, good for the soil

Flower bulbs and bees — an inseparable duo

Frequently asked questions about flower bulbs

• When should you plant flower bulbs for spring?
  Spring-flowering bulbs should be planted in the autumn, from September to December, before the first frost. The bulbs need the cold winter period to take root and flower in the spring. Planting early (September–October) gives the bulbs more time to form roots. Planting later (November–December) is still perfectly fine, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.
• How deep should you plant flower bulbs?
  The rule of thumb: plant flower bulbs at a depth of two to three times the height of the bulb. Small bulbs such as crocuses and Muscari should be planted at a depth of 5 to 8 centimetres. Plant daffodils and tulips at a depth of 10 to 15 centimetres. Plant large alliums at a depth of 15 to 20 centimetres. Always plant with the tip pointing upwards and the rounded side facing downwards. You’ll find the exact planting depth for each variety on the packaging and product page.
• Can flower bulbs be planted in a pot or container?
  Absolutely. Most flower bulbs thrive in pots and containers, provided there is good drainage. Use a deep pot (at least 20 centimetres for small varieties, 30+ for tulips and daffodils) and well-aerated potting compost. After planting, place the pot outside in the cold — the bulbs need this cold period to establish roots and flower. A popular method is the lasagna technique: planting several varieties in layers on top of one another, so that something is flowering in the same pot from early spring right through to late autumn.
• Do flower bulbs come back every year?
  Yes, most flower bulbs are hardy and perennial. They come back every year, provided you let the foliage die back naturally after flowering before removing it. This allows the bulb to store energy for the following season. Some varieties, such as crocuses and daffodils, also naturalise on their own — they gradually spread and become more beautiful each year. Tulips require a little more care to ensure they return; they thrive best in a sunny spot with rich soil.
• What is the difference between organic and conventional flower bulbs?
  Organic flower bulbs are grown without synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilisers, on certified organic soil. This benefits the vitality of the bulb, the soil and everything that lives in and around that soil — bees, soil organisms and birds. All Natural Bulbs’ bulbs are certified with the NL-BIO-01 label, the Dutch certification mark for organic cultivation.
• Which flower bulbs are best suited for beginners?
  Daffodils are the easiest flower bulbs for beginners: they are hardy, return reliably, are not eaten by mice and naturalise easily. Crocuses are a good second choice: early-flowering, compact and quick to plant. Tulips are slightly more demanding when it comes to returning, but always produce beautiful flowers in the first year. If you’re starting out on a balcony, it’s best to choose a packet of crocuses or a dwarf daffodil.