March 8, 2025, 2:40 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

When the first snowdrops and crocuses appear, spring is just around the corner. Can these and other early bloomers still be planted in the ground now? myHOMEBOOK reveals how this can work.

When Is the Best Time to Plant Early-Flowering Bulbs?

Early-flowering bulbs such as tulips, snowdrops, daffodils, and hyacinths are traditionally planted in the fall. The bulbs need a longer cold period in order to sprout in spring. Ideally, they should, therefore, be planted between September and December before the ground freezes.

Is It Too Late to Plant Early-Flowering Bulbs in Spring?

Even if the best time to plant them is in the fall, there are still ways to add colorful flowers to your garden or container later on. The good news first: there are even several alternatives for late bloomers.

1. Use Pre-Grown Early Bloomers in Pots or Beds

Many garden centers offer pre-grown bulb plants in early spring. These can be planted directly in beds or pots. They bloom in the current season and immediately add color to the garden or balcony. Alternatively, if you plant them in the garden the following fall, you will still have something from the early bloomers in the spring of the following year.

2. Late Planting of Bulbs in the Garden — with a Bit of Luck it Will Still Work Out

But even if you discover forgotten bulbs of early-flowering plants in the garden shed in spring, there is a chance that they will still flower in the same spring.

• Sunny location: The bulbs should be planted in a warm, well-drained spot.
• Water sufficiently: As they have less time to root than early bloomers planted in the fall, a good and steady supply of water is important. If the bulbs dry out, they will not be able to develop flowers.
• Use a layer of mulch: A thin layer of mulch protects against temperature fluctuations and retains moisture in the soil. The late-planted early bloomers do not have the same resistance as their early-planted relatives.

Even with these tips, it is unfortunately not guaranteed that the plants will still flower this season. This is because some bulbs need to sprout in the cold period of winter. However, if the forgotten early bloomers no longer flower, they can come into bloom next spring.

Which Early Bloomers Can Still Be Planted Now?

Not all early-flowering bulbs respond to late planting in the same way. Some bulbous plants are more robust and have a greater chance of still flowering:

• Snowdrops (Galanthus): They often sprout even if they are not planted until spring.
• Crocuses (Crocus): These small purple or white flowering plants are particularly hardy and grow quickly. If you plant them on mild February days or at the beginning of March, you can expect them to flower shortly afterward.
• Grape hyacinths (Muscari): These plants have a high chance of survival even if planted late and can still take root.
• Daffodils (Narcissus): While they prefer fall planting, some varieties will still bloom after a late planting.

More on the topic

Early-blooming plants How to plant flower bulbs for spring in the fall

Garden Planning These Bulbs Should Only Be Planted in Spring

Planting flower bulbs in the fall How to plant and care for tulips properly

Preparing Early Bloomers for the Next Season

If the planting doesn’t work out this year, it can already be prepared for next season. The following steps are necessary to ensure that crocus or snowdrops bloom in time next spring:

• Plant bulbs in the fall: Between September and December is the ideal time. It is best to plant the bulbs in groups and create accents by alternating complementary colors in the flowering. For example, purple crocuses can be planted next to yellow daffodils.
• Choose the right location: A sunny to semi-shady spot with well-drained soil promotes growth and ensures strong flowers.
• Do not cut off after flowering: The leaves of early bloomers should be allowed to wither to store nutrients for the next season. The plant draws these from the flowers back into the bulb.