Flower Bulb Haul: How To Prepare A Stunning Spring Display

Photo by Claus Dalby via Instagram.

The most exciting garden job on my Autumn to-do list is definitely planting spring-flowering bulbs: Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Alliums, Fritillarias, Muscaris, Crocuses, Irises (I am probably forgetting one).

From the end of October until December (before the ground freezes) is the perfect time to be planting your spring-flowering bulbs. These typically need between 8 to 16 weeks of cool temperatures in order to bloom the next year. If you live in a year-round warm climate, you may have to chill your bulbs to ensure blooms.

My 2020 tulip bulb haul for warm tones. From top left to bottom right: Tulip Akebono, Tulip Banja Luka, Tulip Lambada, Tulip Apricot Foxx, Tulip Crystal Star, Tulip Blushing Lady.

Whether you choose to plant your bulbs in containers or in the landscape, your efforts will be rewarded with a sea of gorgeous blooms and colors that comes back year after year. Plant once in Autumn and enjoy blooms for many Spring seasons to come! Here are a few tips to make a striking display and some inspiration from my latest bulb haul.

Tips to create stunning displays

There are no rules when it comes to bulb planting: you can mix and match or go color block! However, these simple tips will ensure that you get the most spectacular displays:

• Spring bulbs don’t all flower at the same time. They are divided into three categories: Early, Mid and Late Spring. Select varieties from all groups to extend the display in your garden. For example, Crocuses and Daffodils can bloom as early as February.
• Make sure to layer heights. If you are planting a bulb lasagna (layering bulbs in a container), make sure to place the tallest bulbs at the bottom and center and work your way to shorter bulbs towards the sides. If you are designing a border, place the smallest bulbs toward the front of the flowerbed.

My 2020 tulip bulb haul for pink tones. From top left to bottom right: Tulip Carnaval de Rio, Tulip Virichic, Tulip Foxtrot and Tulip Lasting Love.

• Think about the height ratio between your bulbs and container. For towering bulbs like Alliums (up to 80–100 cm), pick a taller pot. For Muscari (10 cm), a smaller pot will look well proportioned.
• Fudge the spacing guidelines! Whether in a container or in the ground, you can space your bulbs closer to each other (almost touching) to ensure a lush and full look. For a more naturalistic planting in your garden, plant in small groupings (up to 10) rather than rows.
• Use different color hues or flower shapes to give contrast. For tulips, a great example is to mix double blooms with Darwin and frilly Parrot types. Scented bulbs like Hyacinths also bring a fun element to a display.

My 2019 flower bulbs inspiration for peaceful whites. From top left to bottom right: Tulip Clearwater, Tulip White Parrot, Tulip White Prince, Carnegie Hyacinth.

How to plant flower bulbs

Planting flower bulbs is really easy:

• Plant them with the pointy side up. Discard any rotten or squishy bulbs.

Example of tulip bulbs planted in a lined container. Lining your container with plastic can extend it’s life but make sure to include a drainage hole at the bottom to avoid accumulation of water. Photo by Author.

• The planting depth should be roughly twice the height of the bulb.
• No need for fertilizer the first year! You can start applying fertilizer after the first round of blossoms fades.
• If you are dealing with deers, select Alliums, Daffodils, Hyacinths and Muscari: these are less likely to be snacked on. You can also protect your bulbs with chicken wire.
• After planting, record in your garden diary. Don’t have one? You should!

And because there can never be too many beautiful pictures of blooms, here is more inspiration for you.

My 2019 flower bulbs inspiration for pinks and purples. From top left to bottom right: Tulip Queen of Night, Tulip Negrita Double, Pink Pearl Hyacinth, Tulip Ollioules.

My 2019 spring flower bulbs haul in yellows. From top left to bottom right: Daffodil Replete, Tulip Yellow Purissima, Daffodil Golden Ducat, Daffodil Cheerfulness.