Gardening and Landscaping
A practical guide to timing, planting depth and weeks of blooms
Plant too early and bulbs may rot or stretch; plant too late and blooms can be weak or fail. Plan backward from the spring display you want.
Tulips and daffodils need a cold period. In most temperate zones, plant in fall when soil is 50–60°F and cooling, typically from September through November.
Plant bulbs about three times their height: a 2-inch bulb goes 6 inches deep. Tulips usually need 6–8 inches; daffodils need 4–6 inches.
Plant bulbs 3–4 inches apart for tight clusters and instant impact, or space them wider for a natural drift. Correct depth helps prevent frost damage and drying.
Stagger early, mid and late varieties in one bed. Set crocuses and snowdrops shallow, tulips deeper, and late daffodils and alliums in the deepest spots.
Bulbs need firm, crumbly soil that drains well. If water stands overnight in a test hole, improve drainage before planting with raised beds, grit or organic matter.
Set bulbs face-up and at the right depth; avoid fresh compost as the only backfill. Choose large, healthy bulbs, and leave foliage in place after flowering.
Soak bulbs after planting, then water in winter only through prolonged dry spells. Feed at planting and first bloom, and let foliage yellow naturally after flowering.
Use the calendar as a guide: crocus September–October; snowdrop, daffodil and allium September–November; tulip October–November. Adjust for local conditions.
A flawless bed is not guaranteed: bulb size, storage, soil and timing all matter. Plant healthy bulbs, mix early and late varieties, and improve soil for a stronger show.
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