Gardening Guide - Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs and Plants

See also our Summer Flowering Planting Guide

Allium

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Allium Ursinum is suitable for shade to semi shade. Planting depth is around 5 to15 cm deep depending on the variety. The smaller varieties allow around 75-100 per sq meter.

Autumn Flowering Crocus

Autumn Crocus

Autumn crocus like gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun plant around 8-10 cm deep allow 75-100 per sq meter.

Colchicum

Plant in deep, fertile, soil that is well drained that will not dry out, in full sun. Plant around 10 cm deep. Plant around 30 to 40 per sq meter

Sternbergia

Requires excellent drainage, protect from strong winds, they have a dislike of warm dry summers. They like a well-drained chalky soil in full sun.

Childrens Gardening

Crocus

Dutch Crocus and Crocus Species prefer gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun plant around 8-10 cm deep allow 75-100 per sq meter

Daffodils & Narcissi

If planted in pots they prefer cool conditions, if they get too warm it could cause the flower buds to die off. Cyclamineus varieties delay cutting until seed has dispersed.

Water later flowering varieties in dry spring weather as they are prone to non flowering if left to dry. Dead-head as soon as the flowers begin to fade, and leave the foliage to die back naturally for at least six weeks. Apply high potash fertilizer during the growing period, this can be stopped once the flowering has finished this will help promote the flower storage for the following year. Lift and divide the clumps if flowering is sparse of congested.

Iris

Grow in moderately fertile well-drained, neutral or slightly acidic or alkaline soil in full sun to light dappled shade. Plant around 10 cm deep and allow around 75-100 per square meter

Miscellaneous Bulbs

Please see our planting guide for full details for each category in this list.

Tulips

Plant in fertile well drained soil in full sun, dwarf tulips like gritty soils, all tulips dislike excessive wet conditions, Once they finish flowering dead head as soon as possible to prevent the seeds from growing, if left it will affect the flower production. Tulipa and Griegii varieties can be left in the ground for a few years. For other varieties once the leaves have died down lift and clean, remove the offsets, and allow them to ripen in a shed or greenhouse, you can replant the larger bulbs the following autumn, smaller offsets can be planted in a nursery bed to mature. Bulb rot may affect tulips planted in poorly drained soil. Aphids can carry virus from variety to variety. Apply high potash fertilizer during the growing period, this can be stopped once flowering has started, this will help promote the flower storage for the following year.

Crocus

Large Flowering

Dutch Crocus prefer gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun plant around 8-10 cm deep allow 75-100 per sq meter.

Spring Flowering

Crocus Species like gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun plant around 8-10 cm deep allow 75-100 per sq meter.

Daffodils & Narcissi

Daffodils and Narcissi are suitable for planting in the boarder or in containers; they can be naturalized in the woodland garden or grass. If planting Narcissi in grass or light soil plant slightly deeper. They prefer full sun to partial shade. Allow around 10-15 cm deep allow around 50-60 bulbs per sq meter for the dwarf varieties around 75-100 per sq meter they will tolerate most soils put prefer moderately fertile, to slightly alkaline soil that is well drained and moist during the growing season.

If planted in pots they prefer cool conditions, if they get too warm it could cause the flower buds to die off. Pseudo and Cyclamineus varieties delay cutting until seed has dispersed.

Water later flowering varieties in dry spring weather as they are prone to non flowering if left to dry.

Dead head as soon as the flowers begin to fade, and leave the foliage to die back naturally for at least six weeks. Apply high potash fertilizer during the growing period, this can be stopped once the flowering has finished this will help promote the flower storage for the following year. Lift and divide the clumps if flowering is sparse of congested.

Hyacinths

Plant outdoors around 10cm deep and around 10cm apart. They prefer well-drained, moderate fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. They have a dislike of winter wet, if grown in pots outdoors provide some protection and grit to the soil.

Bedding

Plant outdoors around 10cm deep and around 10cm apart. They prefer well-drained, moderate fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. They have a dislike of winter wet, if grown in pots outdoors provide some protection and grit to the soil.

Indoor Flowering Bulbs

Amaryllis Hippeastrum

Plant in loam based potting compost JI No.2. Plant the bulb with the neck and shoulders just above the surface. Place in dappled light or full sun, water sparingly until in growth, you can provide base heat to quicken the process. Feed around every two weeks with a good balanced fertilizer. After flowering remove the flower stem and reduce the water as the leaves begin to die back. When dormant leave in the pot (they hate root disturbance) place in a shed garage or greenhouse to rest, repeat this process when ready to grow again. They can be re potted around every three to five years.

Narcissi

For indoors planting plant in a good compost JI2 with the tops out of the soil, place in a dark place for a couple of weeks to allow the roots to develop, once established bring into the light in a cool room, if the temperature is to high they will bolt and become very long, they can be grown in pebbles, add water to just below the top of the pebbles. Place the Narcissi so they are almost touching and a few more pebbles to slightly cover around half way up the bulb. It is important the base of the Narcissi do not come into contact with the water to prevent mold and rot.

Place the Narcissi in a cool dark place to help establish the root growth, maintain the water level to just below the top pebbles. After a couple of weeks check the root system, if the bulbs feel rooted they can be placed in a light spot but not direct sunlight.

If they are kept in cool conditions they will last longer, this will also help prevent them from getting long and flopping.

Prepared Hyacinths

Plant with the tips of the bulbs just showing through the compost, use a loam-based potting compost JI No.2, you can use bulb fibre (please do not use peat based compost). The pots will need drainage holes; they need to be kept in a cool dark place with a temperature of no more than 45F for around 8-12 weeks to will allow the roots to develop.

When the shoots are around 2.5 to 5 cm high gradually increase the light and temperature, if they are brought out into the light and warmth too soon they can produce elongated leaves and weak flowers. It is important not to get any water on the shoots as this can cause the flower to rot. Avoid water logging the compost, damp conditions together with poor drainage can cause rot and fungal diseases. When flowering is finished they can be planted out in the garden.

Iris

Grow in moderately fertile well-drained, neutral or slightly acidic or alkaline soil in full sun to light dappled shade. Plant around 10 cm deep and allow around 75-100 per square meter.

Lilium / Lily

If you are able to do so, Lilium should be planted on receipt. Should this not be possible, keep them in cool, well ventilated conditions.

Most lilies require full sun for most of the day but will take dappled shade for part of the day (see list below for shade loving varieties). A well-drained sandy rich soil with a little added humus is ideal but a heavy soil can be lightened with course sand or light grit to improve it for your lilies.  Adding a little bone meal to the soil also improved your lily growth.

Different types of lily prefer different soil types as follows:

  • Longiflorum – Lime tolerant
  • Oriental – Ericaceous
  • Species – Most soil conditions
  • Trumpet – Lime tolerant

Plant your lilies around 17-20 cm deep and around 30 – 40 cm apart or, for Trumpet and Oriental Varieties, plant around 20-25 cm for extra protection in the wind when they grow. Lilies grown in containers should be planted around 15 cm deep allow around 10-15 cm of soil above the bulb. Use JI No.2.

You can plant the Lilium slightly tilted to avoid water getting inside.

Pack the soil well around the bulb and water freely to help the soil to settle and prevent air pockets. Lilium will not usually require daily watering: over watering will rot the bulb so keep it moist but not wet.

To feed your bulbs, use a well balanced fertiliser especially high in potash during flowering and as the growth dies back to help keep the bulb healthy. It is important to stop feeding after this time.

After blooming has finished, leave the foliage to die back and nourish your bulbs. The lilies will rest over winter before starting to grow again the following spring.

Problems to look out for with Lilium

Botrytis - This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves it is usually caused by excessive moisture and warm temperatures. The first sign of it is usually brown spots on the leaves. If left untreated the whole plant can decay. Once identified, you should remove the leaves. It is also advisable to spray the leaves when dry with either a copper spray or 1tbsp of baking soda per gallon of water. The disease is not carried by the bulb so it will not affect the growing the following years.

Blue mould – Lilium have high sugar content and bruising or indeed any injury can cause a penicillin mould to form on the injured part. It may look undesirable but this is harmless to the bulb and can be carefully removed. You can dust the bulb with a fungicide and plant as usual.

Viruses – These are usually transmitted by aphids so try to control infections with a garlic spray or insecticide.

The following is a list details possible viral infection;

  • Mottling and flecking of the leaves;
  • Reduction of plant size and height;
  • Distorted growth; or
  • Colour breaking in flowers.

If Lilium show severe infection they should be destroyed to control this as soon as possible.

The Lily Beetle is becoming more of a problem. These bright red insects are easy to spot as they’re bright red. To rid your lilies of these pests either remove them and crush them by hand or use a systemic insecticide on the plant and soil. Avoid moving infected soil to other sites as the Lily Beetle larvae may then spread.

Miscellaneous Bulbs

Anemone

Blanda Group well drained, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Good for woodland planting. Plant around 5-8 cm deep. Allow around 100 per sq meter

Coronaria Group they prefer a light sandy soil in full sun, they like a dry period after flowering. Plant 5-8 cm deep. Allow around 75-100 per sq meter.

Nemerosa prefer moist well drained humus rich soil sun to partial shade. Good for woodland planting. Plant them just below the surface.

Arum

Grow in well drained humus-rich soil sun to partial shade. Italicum is good for woodland planting. Plant around 10-15 cm deep.

Brodiaea

Well drained, light fertile sandy loam, full sun to partial shade. Water well when in growth, keep dry when dormant. Plant around 8 cm deep. Allow around 50-75 per sq meter

Camassia

Plant in full sun to partial shade; prefer moist but well drained humus rich soil that does not become waterlogged. Excellent cut flower very good for wild meadows. Quamash plant around 10 cm deep. Allow around 75-100 per sq meter. For the larger varieties allow around 50-75 per sq meter.

Chionodoxa

Plant in well drained soil. Plant in full sun to partial shade. They self seed freely. Plant around 8 cm deep. Allow around 75-100 per sq meter.

Cyclamen

Cilicium, Coum and Hederifolium grow in moderately fertile humus rich well drained soil, in partial shade, under trees near shrubs or a wall, to avoid excess moisture. Plant around 3 cm deep. They like a little leaf mould after the leaf dies back.

Persicum is not frost hardy so special care needs to be taken, this variety makes a good houseplant. Plant around 2-2.5 cm deep

Eranthis

Grow in fertile humus rich soil that does not dry out in summer, plant in full sun to partial shade, do not allow the tubers to dry out as they can become difficult to establish. Eranthis are excellent for woodland planting. Plant around 5 cm deep. Allow around 75-100 per sq meter.

Eremurus (Foxtail Lilies)

Grow in fertile, sandy well drained loam in full sun. They need winter cold to induce flowering, young growth is frost tender. If mulching in winter try to avoid the crown, they will need support in exposed sites. Plant them just below the surface around 2-2.5 cm deep. Allow around 10-20 per sq meter.

They need protection from cold drying winds, and in dry conditions will need plenty of water,

Erythronium

Plant in fertile humus rich well drained soil that does not dry out. Erythronium prefer dappled shade. Excellent for woodland planting. Plant around 10-15 cm deep. Allow around 50-75 per sq meter. Do not store, Erythroniums should be planted on receipt and not allowed to dry out.

Freesias

Plant indoors in JI No.2 loam compost with added grit, in the greenhouse shade from the sun and keep moist until established, once in growth provide full light and good ventilation and water freely, provide a good balanced fertilizer weekly when the buds appear. After flowering reduce the watering when dry store the corms for re planting.

Fritillaria

Imperials – Persica and Pontica and Verticillata, grow in full sun fertile well drained soil. Plant around four time there depth. Plant Imperials tilted to avoid the water getting inside and rotting off the bulb. Allow around 10-20 per sq meter.

Meleagris need humus rich soil that is not allowed to dry out plant in full sun to partial shade. Prefer damp meadow or woodland conditions, they enjoy cool damp summers. Allow around 50-75 per sq meter.

Elwesii, Michailowski and Pontica like fertile, well drained soil, plant in full sun or light shade. They do not like wet conditions. Allow around 50-75 per sq meter.

Gladioli

Plant in fertile well drained soil in full sun, adding grit or sharp sand will aid drainage. When the flower spikes appear water every couple of weeks with a high potash fertilizer. In warm areas they can be left in the ground. Plant around 10-15 cm deep. Allow around 25-50 per sq meter

Ipheion

Grow in moderately fertile humus rich soil, they like a moist position in full sun, they may need protection from frost. They are good companions for planting under leafy perennials. Plant around 8 cm. Allow 50-100 per sq meter.

Ixias

Moderately fertile well drained soil in full sun, better planted near a wall. Plant around 8-10 cm deep. Allow around 50-100 per sq meter.

Leucojum

Plant in moist, well drained soil plant in full sun. Aestivum prefers humus rich soil that is reliably moist. Plant around 10 cm deep. Allow around 25-50 per sq meter.

Muscari

Plant in moderately fertile well drained soil in full sun, they will take partial dappled shade. Lift and divide congested clumps when flowering are sparse. Plant around 10 cm deep.

Ornithogalum

Plant in moderately fertile well drained soil in full sun. Plant around 10 cm deep. Allow around 25-50 per sq meter. Nutans and Umbellatum can be grown in dappled shade and are suitable for woodland conditions, they can become invasive. Plant around 10 cm deep. Allow around 50-100 per sq meter

Puschkinia

Grow in well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Plant around 10 cm deep. Allow around 75-100 per sq meter.

Ranunculus

Plant in full sun in fertile humus rich moist soil, plant claws facing downwards. Plant around 10 cm deep with spacing of around 8 cm. Allow around 50-75 per sq meter. Soak them for a few hours to give them the best start, if growing in pots plant 3 to a litre pot.

Scilla

Plant in fertile humus rich well drained soil, prefer full sun but will take dappled shade. Plant around 10 cm deep. Allow around 75-100 per sq meter.

Snowdrops

Grow in moist well drained humus rich soil that does not dry out in summer, they prefer partial shade. Lift and divide congested clumps when flowering becomes sparse. Plant around 8-10 cm deep. Allow around 75-100 per sq meter.

Sparaxis

Grow in well drained soil, they need full sun. Plant around 7.5cm deep. Allow around 50-100 per sq meter. Mulch in winter.

Zantedeschia

Plant in humus rich moist soil in full sun; provide winter mulch for especially in frost prone areas. Aethiopica can be grown as a marginal aquatic, if growing in a basket use heavy loam based aquatic soil, place in water up to 30 cm deep.

Tulips

Plant in fertile well drained soil in full sun, dwarf tulips like gritty soils, all tulips dislike excessive wet conditions, Plant tulips around 10-15 cm deep and allow around 50-60 per sq meter, Once they finish flowering dead head as soon as possible to prevent the seeds from growing, if left it will affect the flower production. Darwin Hybrid, Tulipa, Kaufmanniana and Griegii varieties can be left in the ground for a few years. For other varieties once the leaves have died down lift and clean, and remove the offsets, and allow them to ripen in a shed or greenhouse, you can replant the larger bulbs the following autumn, smaller offsets can be planted in a nursery bed to mature. Bulb rot may affect tulips planted in poorly drained soil. Aphids can carry virus from variety to variety. Apply high potash fertilizer during the growing period, this can be stopped once flowering has started, this will help promote the flower storage for the following year.