There are so many gorgeous garden plants you can grow from bulbs. They bring long-lasting colour, produce perfect flowers for cut bouquets, and look gorgeous in garden beds and patio containers. The key to successful bulb planting is timing—spring-blooming bulbs and summer-blooming bulbs have different planting requirements. We’ve explained the basics of planting all your favourite flower bulbs, plus some bonus tips on how to ensure your garden is as healthy and colourful as possible.
When to Plant Spring Bulbs
Spring-blooming bulbs are fantastic because they emerge so early in the year—sometimes when snow still remains on the ground! They kick off spring with a burst of colour and lush foliage, providing pollinators with some of the first available food sources of the season.
Some of our favourite spring-blooming bulbs include:
- Tulips
- Hyacinths
- Grape hyacinths (Muscari)
- Irises
- Daffodils
- Crocuses
- Snowdrops
To bloom properly, spring-blooming bulbs need to chill underground for the winter. Rising temperatures signal to the bulb that it’s time to start sprouting. If you plant them in early spring, they won’t bloom properly; in winter, the ground may be too frozen to get them into place. That means the best time to plant them is in late fall, before temperatures dip below freezing.
When to Plant Summer Bulbs
Summer-blooming bulbs don’t require a chilling period, so you can plant them in spring. If they’re a cold-hardy variety, like daylilies, the bulbs may be able to remain in the ground over the following winter. However, if they’re not hardy to your home’s USDA zone, you can cut back the plant in fall, dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place until the following spring.
Some popular summer-blooming bulbs include:
- Dahlias
- Canna lilies
- Calla lilies
- Asiatic lilies
- Daylilies
- Gladiolus
- Agapanthus
- Crocosmia
- Alliums
Tips for Planting Bulbs in Pots and Garden Beds
Whether you have a sprawling garden bed or a modestly sized porch, you can easily grow these versatile plants. Just ensure they get plenty of sunshine! Here are some tips for planting spring and summer bulbs:
Plant your bulbs with the pointy end facing upwards. That point is where their foliage will emerge. If you plant it pointing downward, it won’t rise from the ground.
Plant a mix with different bloom times. This way, you’ll have more garden colour to enjoy for longer, instead of everything blooming all at once.
When you plant, mix bone meal into the soil. Bone meal acts as a fertilizer and is especially useful for spring-blooming bulbs, as they have all winter to absorb the nutrients.
Don’t cut back the foliage while it’s still green. You might be tempted to cut the foliage from spring-blooming varieties after their blooms fade, but then they won’t be able to create energy through photosynthesis. Leaving them in the garden for the summer will help them recharge for even bigger and brighter blooms the following spring. Wait until the foliage turns brown, then cut it back.
Store bulbs in sealed containers lined with paper towels. This will help prevent them from getting mouldy. Place the container somewhere dark and cool, like a basement shelf.
Try lasagna planting for bulbs in pots. Multiple layers of different varieties throughout your pot will help create the most voluminous, colourful displays. Plant a few near the base, then add some spoil, plant some more, and repeat! Plant bulbs with different bloom times for a long-lasting showcase of colour.
For more tips on planting bulbs, browse our blog or visit Bala and Port Carling Garden Centres to chat with one of our experts! We’ll be happy to help you find a vibrant variety of spring and summer-blooming plants.
