A garden filled with various bulbs ensures that you will have beautiful blooms from late winter until summer. Here's a look at the different bulbs and their planting seasons:

• Late Winter: Jonquils, Lachenalias, Crocus
• Early Spring: Daffodils, Anemones, Ranunculi
• Spring: Hyacinths, Freesias, Tritonias, Watsonias
• Summer: Callas, Lilies, Gladioli

Planting Bulbs in the Garden

To plant bulbs successfully, they require well-drained, sandy loam soil that is not too rich. If your soil is heavy, improve it by adding coarse sand or Oderings Compost. Mixing in Tui Bulb Fertiliser during soil preparation is essential, ensuring it doesn't come into direct contact with the bulbs themselves or any fresh manure. For best results, a liquid fertiliser can be applied as buds begin to form and again after flowering.

Planting Bulbs in Pots

Bulbs also thrive in pots and containers, allowing for flexibility in garden design. Smaller flowering bulbs like Daffodils, Jonquils, Hyacinths, Bluebells, and Tulips can be moved indoors as they bloom, providing an indoor display. Here's how to plant them in pots:

1. Container Size: Ensure pots are at least 15cm deep for good root growth.
2. Bulb Planting Depth: Plant the bulbs at a depth about twice the height of the bulb.
3. Spacing: Bulbs should be planted closer together than in the garden.
4. Initial Care: Keep the containers in a cool, shady place until the leaves emerge, then move to a sunny location.
5. Chilling for Early Bloom: Place tall flowers like Hyacinths and Tulips in the fridge (7-10°C) for 3-4 weeks before planting to promote earlier flowering.

Note: Bulbs in pots are typically not reusable for the next season.

Extra Tips for Successful Bulb Growth

• Well-Drained Soil: Bulbs do not like wet feet, so ensure soil is free draining.
• Fertilisation: Apply bulb fertiliser when buds appear and again after flowering.
• Mulch: Adding a layer of mulch helps keep roots moist and temperature stable.
• Chill for Strong Stems: Chilling bulbs in the fridge for 4-5 weeks before planting promotes earlier flowering and stronger stems.
• Long-Term Growth: Most bulbs can stay in the ground for years, producing new bulbs each season.
• Leave Foliage: After flowering, allow the bulbs' leaves to die down naturally as they provide food for the next season.

Bulb Planting Guide

With the right care, bulbs will provide an impressive and colourful display in your garden year after year.