The team at Turf 2 Trees Horticulture has over a decade of experience in horticulture and turf management. They’re dedicated to helping clients create seasonal planting schedules, maintenance plans, and budgets to keep their gardens looking incredible. With that kind of expertise, we totally trust Michael’s gardening wisdom… and we’re excited to share it.
So let’s dig in!
When To Order Your Bulbs
Before you get too excited and start digging [put down the trowel, pals], you need to think ahead.
Michael says, “You want to order your bulbs at least six months before you plant them.”
That’s right, six months! This gives you plenty of time to get the perfect varieties and ensure they arrive at the right time for planting.
What to Plant And When
Bulbs aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of dealio. Each season has its own special planting needs. Let’s break it down:
For Summer
When to plant: Late winter to early spring, with the exception of Gladioli, which are best planted in early spring. Gladioli take about 80-90 days until flowering, so you can get a few displays in before it gets too cold.
What to Plant: Dahlias, Gladiolus, Liliums, Zantedeschia, Polianthes, Hippeastrum, Eucomis.
For Autumn
When to plant: Summer, with the exception of Leucojum, which depends on the variety.
What to plant: Nerines, Zephyranthes, Leucojum, Crocus Saffron, Lycoris.
For Winter
When to plant: Autumn.
What to plant: Jonquil [which will bloom in late winter] and some Daffodils.
For Spring
When to plant: Autumn.
What to plant: Daffodils, Hyacinths, Tulips, Anemones, Crocuses, Dutch Iris, Freesias, Jonquils, Ranunculus, Bluebells, Tritelia, Tritonia, Sparaxis.
How to Plant Your Bulbs
Now that you know what to plant and when, let’s get into the details of how to plant them. It’s not rocket science, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Soil Preparation
Good soil is the foundation of a great garden. You want well-draining soil enriched with organic matter like compost. This will provide nutrients and improve soil structure.
“Most bulbs prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6-7),” says Michael.
Testing your soil might sound a bit scientific, but it’s worth it. If your soil is too alkaline or too acidic, you can amend it to get it just right.
Planting
Here’s a handy rule of thumb from the mouth of Michael: plant bulbs at a depth that’s twice their height. This helps protect them from temperature fluctuations and gives them the support they need to grow strong and tall.
After you plant your bulbs, give them a good soak. This helps settle the soil and encourages root development.
“Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged,” Michael adds.
Fertilising And Mulching
A balanced, slow-release fertiliser at planting time will give your bulbs the boost they need. Michael suggests, “Think of fertiliser as a little extra insurance. It ensures your bulbs have everything they need to grow and flower.”
Adding a layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Plus, it just makes your garden look tidy and well-cared for.
Pest And Disease Control
Snails, slugs, and rabbits… oh my! Keep a sharp eye out for these common garden pests. Use the right control methods, and stay vigilant. Rabbits are particularly crafty, so be on your toes. Cue our best Elmer Fudd impression!
Aftercare
Your bulbs have done the hard work of flowering, but the job isn’t over yet. Aftercare is important for making sure they come back year after year.
Start with deadheading. Remove spent flowers to redirect energy back into the bulb.
“This helps the bulb store energy for next season’s growth,” Michael adds.
Make sure to leave the foliage though.
“As tempting as it might be to tidy up, leave the foliage to die back naturally. It’s busy doing important work, like nourishing the bulb for next year.”
Some bulbs, like Dahlias and Gladiolus, might also need lifting after flowering, especially if you have heavy clay-based soils. Store them in a cool, dry place until it’s time to replant.
Replanting and Dividing Bulbs
Every few years, you might notice your bulbs getting a bit crowded. This is a sign they need dividing.
“Dividing bulbs helps rejuvenate the plants and increases flowering,” Michael tells us.
Good to know/grow!
There we have it! Our simple and helpful guide to planting bulbs that even a black thumb gardener [guilty] can follow. With a bit of planning, some of Michael’s expert tips, and a little love, your garden will be bursting with colour in no time.
And if you’d like to get even more expert advice and assistance on getting your garden up to scratch then you can reach out to the Turf 2 Trees Horticulture team. Head to their website here to find out more.
Happy planting peeps!
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