Autumn Bulb Planting

1. Choose healthy bulbs 

• Choose firm, large bulbs – these will be free of disease, have the best supply of nutrients and give you the best flowers 

2. Timing 

• Plant your bulbs from late September to November, before the ground freezes 

• The ideal temperature for planting bulbs is when soil temperatures fall to around 10-15°C 

• The later you plant them, the later they will flower, so consider this if you want a staggered display 

3. Location and Soil 

• Most bulbs prefer a sunny spot, though some can tolerate partial shade, so check your varieties

• Bulbs thrive in well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, add compost or sand to improve the drainage 

4. How to Plant 

• Plant bulbs at a depth that’s 2-3 times the height of the bulb 

• Space bulbs about 3-6 inches apart depending on size 

• Place bulbs pointy side up (roots down) in the hole/container 

5. Planting in Containers 

• If you lack garden space, bulbs do grow well in containers, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix 

• Ensure there’s enough room to plant at the appropriate depth for the bulbs you have chosen 

• Consider using layers of bulbs (larger bulbs deeper, smaller ones closer to the surface) for continuous blooms 

6. Watering and Mulching 

• Water bulbs after planting to help settle the soil and start root development 

• Apply a layer of mulch (2-3 inches) to keep the soil moist and insulated over winter, especially in colder areas 

7. Fertilizing 

• Bulbs store their own nutrients, though adding bone meal or a slow-release bulb fertilizer in the planting hole can provide a boost 

• Fertilize again in the spring when shoots start to appear 

8. Protection from Pests 

• Squirrels and mice may dig up bulbs. To prevent this, cover the planting area with wire mesh (like chicken wire) until the ground freezes and keeps them away naturally 

9. After Bloom Care 

• Once flowers have bloomed, deadhead the spent blooms, but leave the foliage until it turns yellow. This allows the bulbs to store energy for the next year’s growth 

Pro Tip: For a natural look in borders and lawns, toss the bulbs into the air and plant them where they fall.