Bulbs to plant in fall: A comprehensive guide

Bulbs to plant in fall - Tulips
Tulips” by erikwestrum is licensed under CC BY 2.0

If I am completely honest, I find it a bit of a challenge to plant bulbs in autumn/fall.

I tend to get a touch of seasonal ‘despair’ at the end of summer. I wouldn’t call it depression or seasonal affective disorder exactly.

I just tend to feel sad that another summer has come and gone. It is as if all the hope of spring and summer has drifted away, like the air in a balloon as it deflates and finally flattens to nothing.

However, if I want to guarantee the return of hope in late winter and spring, one of the best things I can do, is put aside my sadness and get planting with the future in mind.

Planting bulbs in the autumn is a sure fire way for gardeners looking to enjoy a vibrant and colourful spring garden. Autumn planting allows bulbs to establish themselves during the cooler months, preparing them to burst into bloom as the weather warms.

This guide covers ten different types of bulbs to plant in fall, detailing when and how to plant each to ensure a stunning display of flowers. I’ve also included a decent description of each plant and some suggestions for popular varieties you can try.

1. Tulips

beautiful purple tulips

Tulips are among the most popular and well-known spring flowers, recognised for their elegant, cup-shaped blooms and wide range of colours. Originating from Central Asia, tulips have been cultivated for centuries and are synonymous with Dutch horticulture. They come in various forms, including single, double, fringed, and parrot types, making them versatile for any garden design.

When to plant

Tulips should be planted in the mid to late autumn, approximately 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This usually falls between late September and November, depending on your climate.

How to plant

  • Site selection: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  • Planting depth: Plant tulip bulbs 6-8 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up.
  • Spacing: Space the bulbs 4-6 inches apart.
  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.

Read our complete guide on planting tulips here.

Tulip Queen of the Night
Tulip Queen of the Night

Popular varieties

  • Apeldoorn: A classic Darwin hybrid with bright red petals, known for its large flowers and sturdy stems.
  • Angelique: A double late variety featuring soft pink, peony-like blooms, perfect for adding a romantic touch to gardens.
  • Queen of Night: This single late tulip is famous for its deep, almost black, maroon colour, adding drama and contrast to any garden.
  • Parrot Tulip: Known for their frilled and feathered petals, varieties like ‘Estella Rijnveld’ come in striking colour combinations such as red and white.

2. Daffodils (Narcissus)

Bulbs to plant in fall - Narcissus 'King Alfred'
Narcissus ‘King Alfred’ by Andy Morffew is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Daffodils, also known as narcissus, are cheerful spring flowers with trumpet-shaped blooms. They are hardy and easy to grow, making them a favourite among gardeners. Daffodils come in various forms, including single, double, and miniature types, and they can be found in shades of yellow, white, orange, and pink.

When to plant

Daffodils are best planted in early to mid-autumn, around September to October, before the first frost.

How to plant

  • Site selection: Daffodils thrive in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
  • Planting depth: Plant the bulbs 6 inches deep.
  • Spacing: Space the bulbs 3-6 inches apart.
  • Watering: Water well after planting.

Popular varieties

  • King Alfred: A classic large-cupped variety with bright yellow petals and a long-lasting bloom.
  • Thalia: A delicate, white, multi-flowered variety known for its sweet fragrance and graceful appearance.
  • Tete-a-Tete: A miniature daffodil with small, bright yellow flowers, ideal for borders and rock gardens.
  • Cheerfulness: A double-flowered variety with creamy white petals and a strong, sweet fragrance.

3. Hyacinths

Bulbs to plant in fall - Hyacinths
“Hyacinths – floriade canberra” by John O’Neill is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Hyacinths are renowned for their intensely fragrant, densely packed flower spikes. Originating from the eastern Mediterranean, they come in a spectrum of colours, including blue, purple, white, pink, and red. As you can see, there are even varieties of yellow and orange these days.

When to plant

Plant hyacinths in mid to late autumn, around October to November, before the ground freezes.

How to plant

  • Site selection: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  • Planting depth: Plant the bulbs 4-6 inches deep.
  • Spacing: Space the bulbs 3-6 inches apart.
  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.

Popular varieties

  • Blue Jacket: Known for its deep blue flowers and strong fragrance, this variety is a garden favourite.
  • Pink Pearl: Featuring soft pink blooms, Pink Pearl adds a gentle touch to spring displays.
  • White Pearl: This variety offers pure white flowers and a delightful scent, perfect for formal gardens.
  • Delft Blue: Famous for its light blue flowers, Delft Blue hyacinths are named after the renowned Dutch pottery.

4. Crocuses

Crocus x vernus ' Pickwick'
Pickwick Crocus by Michael Goodyear is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Crocuses are one of the earliest spring bloomers, often peeking through the snow. These small, cup-shaped flowers come in a range of colours, including purple, yellow, white, and striped varieties. Crocuses are ideal for naturalising in lawns and under trees, providing a burst of colour when little else is in bloom.

When to plant

Crocuses should be planted in early to mid-autumn, around September to October.

How to plant

  • Site selection: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
  • Planting depth: Plant the bulbs 3-4 inches deep.
  • Spacing: Space the bulbs 3 inches apart.
  • Watering: Water after planting.

Popular varieties

  • Flower Record: A large-flowered purple variety that is striking in early spring.
  • Jeanne d’Arc: A pure white crocus with a slight yellow throat, adding elegance to gardens.
  • Golden Yellow: Bright yellow flowers that are among the first to bloom in spring.
  • Pickwick: A distinctive variety with purple and white striped petals.

5. Snowdrops (Galanthus)

Galanthus Magnet
Galanthus Magnet by peganum is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Snowdrops are delicate, early spring flowers known for their nodding, white, bell-shaped blooms. They are pretty much the first sign of spring, often appearing while snow and is still on the ground. Snowdrops prefer shady, woodland settings and are perfect for naturalising.

When to plant

Snowdrops should be planted in early autumn, around September to October.

How to plant

  • Site selection: Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-drained soil.
  • Planting depth: Plant the bulbs 2-3 inches deep.
  • Spacing: Space the bulbs 3 inches apart.
  • Watering: Water well after planting.

Popular varieties

  • Galanthus nivalis: The common snowdrop with simple white flowers, ideal for naturalising.
  • Flore Pleno: A double-flowered variety with intricate, layered blooms.
  • Magnet: Known for its long pedicels that allow the flowers to dangle gracefully.
  • Atkinsii: A taller variety with large, elegant flowers.

6. Alliums

Bulbs to plant in fall - Alliums

Alliums, also known as ornamental onions, are bold and architectural plants known for their large, spherical flower heads composed of numerous small flowers.

They come in various colours, including purple, blue, white, and yellow. They flower later than Daffodils and Tulips. So they are a great plant for bridging the gap between spring and summer and are excellent for adding height and interest to garden borders.

When to plant

Plant Alliums in mid to late autumn, around October to November.

How to plant

  • Site selection: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  • Planting depth: Plant the bulbs 4-6 inches deep.
  • Spacing: Space the bulbs 6-8 inches apart.
  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.

Popular varieties

  • Purple Sensation: Known for its large, vibrant purple flower heads, this variety is a garden favourite.
  • Globemaster: Produces enormous, globe-shaped clusters of lavender flowers.
  • Mount Everest: A tall variety with pure white, spherical flower heads.
  • Schubertii: Features starburst-like flowers in pink and purple, creating a dramatic effect.

7. Fritillarias

Bulbs to plant in fall - Fritillaria
Fritillaria imperialis

Fritillarias are exotic-looking plants with bell-shaped flowers that often have a checkered or speckled pattern. They are a good alternative to the more typical spring flowers, like narcissus.

They come in various colours, including purple, yellow, orange, and red. Fritillarias are great for shaded areas.

When to plant

Plant fritillarias in mid to late autumn, around October to November.

How to plant

  • Site selection: Fritillarias prefer a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  • Planting depth: Plant the bulbs 4-6 inches deep.
  • Spacing: Space the bulbs 6 inches apart.
  • Watering: Water well after planting.
Fritillaria uva-vulpis
Fritillaria uva-vulpis

Popular varieties

  • Fritillaria meleagris: Also known as the snake’s head fritillary, it features checkered purple and white flowers.
  • Fritillaria imperialis: Known as the crown imperial, this variety has tall stems and large, bell-shaped orange or yellow flowers.
  • Fritillaria persica: Produces tall spikes of dark purple, almost black flowers.
  • Fritillaria michailovskyi: A shorter variety with yellow-tipped, maroon flowers.
  • Fritillaria uva-vulpis: The fox’s grape fritillary, produces elegant purplish-brown flowers with yellow tips.

8. Scillas

Scilla siberica
Scilla siberica by stanzebla is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Scillas, commonly known as squills, are charming, low-growing bulbs that produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in early spring. They are known for their vibrant blue blooms, although some varieties come in shades of pink, white, and purple.

Scillas are ideal for naturalising in lawns, under trees, or in rock gardens, where they can spread to form a carpet of colour. Their delicate, nodding flowers are a favourite for adding a touch of natural beauty to woodland or cottage-style gardens.

When to plant

Scillas should be planted in early to mid-autumn, around September to October.

How to plant

  • Site selection: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
  • Planting depth: Plant the bulbs 3-4 inches deep.
  • Spacing: Space the bulbs 3 inches apart.
  • Watering: Water after planting.

Popular varieties

  • Scilla siberica (Siberian Squill): This variety is one of the most popular, with brilliant blue, bell-shaped flowers that nod slightly downward. It naturalises well, making it ideal for creating swathes of colour in early spring.
  • Scilla peruviana (Portuguese Squill): Despite its name, this variety is not from Peru but is known for its striking, dense clusters of deep blue or violet flowers. It has broader leaves and larger flower heads than other scillas, making it a standout in any garden.
  • Scilla bifolia (Alpine Squill): A smaller variety, Scilla bifolia produces clusters of star-shaped blue flowers that bloom very early in the season. It’s perfect for naturalising in woodlands or rock gardens.
  • Scilla mischtschenkoana (Early Squill): This variety is one of the earliest bloomers, producing pale blue flowers with a white centre. It’s ideal for adding a soft touch of colour to the garden in very early spring.

9. Grape hyacinths (Muscari)

Muscari
Muscari by DanielaC173 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Grape hyacinths, or Muscari, are delightful, small bulbs that produce dense clusters of tiny, bell-shaped flowers that resemble bunches of grapes.

They are most commonly found in shades of blue, but there are some white, pink, or bi-coloured varieties. Grape hyacinths are easy to grow and are perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers. Like scillas, their ability to naturalise quickly makes them a great choice for covering large areas with colour in the spring.

When to plant

Plant grape hyacinths in mid to late autumn, around October to November.

How to plant

  • Site selection: Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot with well-drained soil.
  • Planting depth: Plant the bulbs 3 inches deep.
  • Spacing: Space the bulbs 2-3 inches apart.
  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.
Muscari Pink Sunrise
Muscari Pink Sunrise by Salicyna is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Popular varieties

  • Muscari armeniacum: This is the most common variety, known for its deep blue, grape-like flowers. It’s extremely hardy and reliable, making it a favourite for gardeners looking for a dependable spring bloomer.
  • Muscari latifolium: This bi-coloured variety features dark blue flowers at the base, transitioning to lighter blue at the top. The two-tone effect creates a striking visual in garden beds and borders.
  • Muscari botryoides (Pearl Hyacinth): A softer alternative to the intense blue of other varieties, Muscari botryoides offers soft blue or white flowers that add a gentle touch to spring displays.
  • Muscari ‘Pink Sunrise’: A unique and relatively rare variety, Pink Sunrise offers soft pink flowers, providing a delicate and unusual colour for grape hyacinths.

10. Anemones

Anemone blanda
Anemone blanda by Ruth and Dave is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Anemones come in various forms. The windflower, Anemone blanda, is the most well-known type. It grows from knobbly tubers and produces stunning blue, pink, or white flowers. The florist’s anemone, Anemone coronaria, also grows from tubers but is taller and features brilliantly colored blooms in late spring, making them excellent for cut flowers. The wood anemone, Anemone nemorosa, thrives in shaded areas and grows from rhizomes, displaying delicate white flowers in early spring.

All anemones are perennial plants. They die back after flowering, becoming dormant during summer and autumn, and regrow the following spring. These spring-flowering anemones should not be confused with Japanese anemones, such as Anemone hupehensis and Anemone x hybrida, which are much larger and bloom in late summer and autumn.

When to plant

Plant anemones in mid to late autumn, around October to November.

How to plant

  • Site selection: Anemones prefer full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
  • Planting depth: Plant the bulbs 1-2 inches deep.
  • Spacing: Space the bulbs 3-4 inches apart.
  • Watering: Soak the bulbs overnight before planting, then water well after planting.
Anemone coronaria
Anemone coronaria by Hedwig Storch is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Popular varieties

  • Anemone blanda (Grecian Windflower): This variety produces daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, pink, and white. It’s a low-growing, spreading plant that works well in borders and under shrubs.
  • Anemone coronaria ‘De Caen’: A popular variety known for its large, single flowers in a wide range of colours, including red, blue, and white. It’s ideal for cutting gardens and can add a bold statement to spring beds.
  • Anemone coronaria ‘St. Brigid’: This variety is known for its double flowers, which come in vibrant shades of red, pink, purple, and blue. The ruffled petals add a touch of elegance to any garden.
  • Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone): A woodland variety, Anemone nemorosa produces delicate white or pale pink flowers. It’s perfect for shaded areas and naturalising under trees or in woodland gardens.

General tips for planting autumn bulbs

Soil preparation

  • Soil testing: Test your soil pH and amend if necessary to ensure it falls within the optimal range for your chosen bulbs.
  • Soil drainage: Ensure good drainage by adding compost or sand to heavy clay soils to prevent bulb rot.

Planting techniques

  • Planting in groups: For a natural look, plant bulbs in clusters or drifts rather than single rows.
  • Layering: For continuous blooms, layer bulbs in the same planting hole, with larger bulbs deeper and smaller bulbs closer to the surface.

Post-planting care

  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch after planting to insulate the bulbs and retain moisture.
  • Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the ground freezes. Reduce watering during the winter months.
  • Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser at planting time and again in early spring as growth begins.

Planning your garden for success

To create a garden that blooms beautifully from early spring into summer, consider the bloom times of the different bulbs you plant. Start with early bloomers like snowdrops, crocuses, and anemones, which herald the arrival of spring. Follow them with mid-spring bloomers like tulips, hyacinths, and grape hyacinths. Finally, extend the season with late bloomers such as alliums and some varieties of daffodils.

Maximising visual impact

For a visually stunning garden, consider planting bulbs in groups rather than in single rows. Clusters of bulbs will create a more natural and impactful display. You can also mix different varieties of the same species or combine different species that bloom at the same time for a more dynamic and colourful effect. For example, planting blue muscari alongside yellow daffodils can create a striking contrast, while tulips of varying heights and colours can add depth and interest to your garden beds.

Post-bloom care

After your bulbs have finished blooming, it’s essential to care for them properly to ensure they return healthy and vigorous the next year. Allow the foliage to die back naturally, as this process helps the bulb store energy for the next growing season. Avoid cutting the leaves off too early, as this can weaken the bulb. Once the foliage has yellowed and died, you can remove it.

In areas with harsh winters or poor drainage, consider lifting and storing bulbs such as tulips and hyacinths. After the foliage has died back, carefully dig up the bulbs, clean off any excess soil, and store them in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.

Final thoughts

If you can do the work to plant a variety of bulbs in the autumn, you can enjoy an uplifting and long-lasting display of flowers in the spring. So, it is worth ignoring the end of summer blues to invest in your garden’s future and you’ll be greeted with a fantastic array of colours and scents when spring arrives.



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