Planting spring bulbs in autumn

Hands planting tulip bulbs into a deep hole in autumn soil

Bulbs & seasonal colour
6 min read

The reward for a little effort in autumn is a spring garden full of colour. Different bulbs have different best planting dates, so a staggered approach from September to November gives the best results.

Timing by bulb

Daffodils, narcissi and crocus: September to October, while the soil is still warm.
Alliums: September to November.
Tulips: late October through November. Planting later reduces the risk of tulip fire, a fungal disease.
Snowdrops: either as dry bulbs in autumn or, more reliably, "in the green" in February and March after flowering.

Choose a good spot

Most spring bulbs enjoy sun in spring, which is easy to provide under deciduous trees because the leaves have not yet emerged. Soil should drain freely; bulbs sitting in winter wet may rot. Add grit to heavy ground, or plant in raised beds or pots.

Planting depth and spacing

A good rule is to plant at two to three times the height of the bulb: that is about 10cm for most daffodils and 15cm for large tulips. Place bulbs pointed side up and at least two to three bulb widths apart. Groups of odd numbers look more natural than rows.

Pots and lasagne planting

In a large container, layer bulbs at different depths: tulips on a deeper layer, then compost, then daffodils or crocus above. This gives successional blooms in the same pot. Use free-draining compost and make sure the pot has drainage holes. Wire mesh on top deters squirrels.

Naturalising in grass

Scatter small bulbs such as crocus, snowdrops and daffodils and plant where they fall, using a bulb planter. Leave the grass uncut until the foliage has died back, around six weeks after flowering.

After flowering

Deadhead but leave the leaves to wither naturally so bulbs recharge for next year. A liquid feed after flowering helps, particularly for repeated planting in pots. Lift and divide congested clumps in summer.

Plants mentioned in this guide

Tulip 'Queen of Night'Tulipa 'Queen of Night' Daffodil 'Tête-à-tête'Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête' Ornamental onion 'Purple Sensation'Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' SnowdropGalanthus nivalis Early crocus 'Tommasinianus'Crocus tommasinianus

Useful supplies

Hand trowel and forkProduct guidance Horticultural grit, perlite and vermiculiteProduct guidance Frost-resistant terracotta potsProduct guidance Plant labels and markersProduct guidance

This guide is general advice for typical UK conditions. Results vary with your soil, local climate and the weather, and it is not a substitute for the instructions that come with any product.