When & How to Plant Bulbs: A Complete Guide for a Colorful Spring

Discover everything you need to know about choosing, planting, and growing flower bulbs that will make your garden burst into life after winter.

The Joy of Planting Spring Bulbs

Planting spring bulbs in autumn is an act of hope — you tuck them into the soil and wait patiently through winter, knowing the reward will be a garden full of color and life. Those first green shoots pushing through in early spring are pure magic.

So grab your cultivating hand tools from STIGA’s gardening collection and let’s get planting!

1. Popular Types of Spring Bulbs

 

Narcissus (DAFFODIL)


When to plant: Late September
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Bloom period: Late winter to early spring

Nothing signals the arrival of spring like cheerful daffodils. Hardy, low-maintenance, and bursting with yellow, orange, or peach tones, they’re a must-have for every garden bed.

 

Hyacinthus orientalis

 
When to plant: Late September
Position: Full sun to partial shade 
Bloom period: Spring

Hyacinths are beloved not only for their jewel-toned blooms but also for their rich, sweet fragrance. Plant them near paths, patios, or doorways so you can enjoy their scent up close.

 

Crocus spp


When to plant: Late September
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Bloom period: Spring

A perfect choice for beginners, crocuses are small but mighty. They come in vibrant shades of purple, yellow, orange, pink, and white — and are often the first to bloom as winter fades.

 

Tulipa spp (tulip)


When to plant: November
Position: Full sun
Bloom period: Spring

Tulips are a timeless garden favorite. Available in countless colors and forms, they create maximum visual impact when planted in clusters of 6–12 bulbs. Grouping them together ensures bold, cohesive color displays.

2. How to Choose the Right Bulbs

When shopping for bulbs, always choose firm, healthy, undamaged bulbs — avoid any that feel soft or show signs of mold.

Before buying, consider:

Sunlight & soil conditions: Make sure the bulbs suit your planting area.

Color combinations: Mix complementary hues for a balanced, striking display.

Height and timing: Combine early-, mid-, and late-spring bloomers to enjoy continuous flowering.

A little planning goes a long way toward creating a stunning garden design that lasts all season.

3. When and How to Plant Bulbs

 

When to plant bulbs

Most spring-flowering bulbs should be planted in autumn, typically from late September to November.

Plant at least six weeks before the first frost, giving bulbs time to establish roots before winter. Depending on your region, the planting window can extend from September through December — the key is to get them in the ground while the soil is still workable.

 

How to plant bulbs

Planting bulbs is simple — just follow these easy steps:

1. Dig a hole about 2–3 times deeper than the bulb’s height.

2. Improve the soil by adding compost or a slow-release fertilizer if needed.

3. Place the bulb with the root end down and the shoot facing up.

4. Space bulbs properly — about twice the bulb’s width apart.

5. Cover with soil and top with a thin layer of mulch for insulation.

6. Water well right after planting to settle the soil and encourage root growth.

Using quality hand tools makes the job effortless — try the STIGA cultivating range for precision and comfort:
https://www.stiga.com/uk/products/soil-ground-care/gardening-hand-tools.html

4. Tips for healthy bloom

Add compost: Boost your soil with organic matter to promote strong root development.

Mind the moisture: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can rot bulbs.

Plant in pots or beds: Bulbs thrive in both containers and garden beds — just ensure good drainage.

Protect from frost: In colder climates, add an extra mulch layer for insulation.

With a little care now, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning burst of color when spring arrives.

Final Thoughts

Planting bulbs is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to create seasonal beauty in your garden. A bit of effort in autumn brings months of joy come spring — from the first crocuses to the last tulips.

So grab your STIGA cultivating tools, get your hands in the soil, and start planting today. Your garden’s most colorful season is just around the corner.

Explore our cultivating hand tools:

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Head material
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