February 10, 2025, 4:01 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Flower bulbs go into the ground in the fall. Yes, that’s true – but not all of them! myHOMEBOOK explains which flower bulbs and tubers should be planted in spring and what is important when doing so.
Flowers of every hue transforming the garden into a vibrant paradise is the aspiration of numerous hobby gardeners. But when is the best time to plant flower bulbs in the ground? While some varieties go into the ground in the fall, there are numerous summer-flowering bulbs that should only be planted in the spring. Some of them even go into the ground in the summer itself.
Overview
Which Flower Bulbs Should You Plant in Spring?
Many amateur gardeners associate the term flower bulbs with fall planting. This is also true for most types of flower bulbs. Tulips, crocuses, and daffodils should be planted in the ground in the fall so that they can poke their heads out of the ground in time for spring. However, there are also flower bulbs and tubers that you should wait until spring to plant. This is due to the fact that many of them cannot withstand severe winter frosts. Examples of these include:
- Dahlias: available in a wide variety of colors, shades and flower variations and known for their long flowering period in late summer.
- Gladioli: elegant flowers that stand out in summer with their impressive inflorescences.
- Begonias: ideal bulbous plants with eye-catching flowers for semi-shady locations.
- Lilies: noble beauties that bloom from June to August, depending on the variety.
- Freesias: delicate, fragrant flowers that beautify flower beds and containers.
- Montbretias: bright orange or red flowers that bring a touch of the exotic to the garden.
Why Plant Flower Bulbs in Spring?
Planting in spring has several advantages. While fall-planted bulbs are often affected by winter frost, spring-planted bulbs benefit from the warmer temperatures. Dahlias, on the other hand, can be damaged or die completely if their sensitive tubers are left in the ground over the winter. Apart from this, bulbs planted in spring have the advantage that the soil moisture is significantly higher than in the fall. As a result, they generally grow more easily.
The Right Time for Planting
Bulbs and tubers of summer and fall bloomers should only be planted in the ground after the last frosts. In most regions, this is the case from mid-April to May. It is important that the soil is already well warmed up so that the bulbs do not rot or become infested with pests.
A good rule of thumb: you can start planting as soon as temperatures consistently stay above 50 °F. If you want to be on the safe side, pre-germinate the bulbs indoors and plant the young plants outdoors later.
The Ideal Location
When planting bulbs in spring, the soil should be well-drained and loose. Waterlogging should be avoided at all costs, as this can lead to root rot. A sunny to semi-shady spot in the garden or in a container is ideal. Heat-loving plants such as gladioli or lilies especially need plenty of sunlight to develop their full flowering splendor.
The Right Planting Depth
There is a simple rule for the ideal planting depth for bulbs and tubers: it should be around two to three times the height of the bulb or tuber. Here are a few examples:
- Dahlias: 5-10 cm deep
- Gladioli: 10-15 cm deep
- Begonias: 3-5 cm deep
- Lilies: 10-15 cm deep
- Freesias: 5-8 cm deep
- Montbretias: 8-10 cm deep
It is also important to plant the bulbs pointing upwards and to press the soil down well after planting.
Care After Planting Flower Bulbs in Spring
After planting the bulbs, correct watering is crucial. If the spring weather is unusually warm and dry, the soil with the bulbs planted in it should be kept evenly moist.
Organic fertilizers such as compost or horn shavings can also support growth. Nutrient-hungry plants such as dahlias or gladioli especially benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season.
Protection Against Pests and Diseases
Flower bulbs can be attacked by pests such as snails or voles. The bulbs and tubers are a real treat for them. To prevent pests from eating them, the bulbs should be planted in the ground with a wire basket. Coffee grounds around the planting site or wood ash can also help to keep slugs away.
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When to Expect the First Bloom?
The flowering time depends on the plant species. While some bulbous plants, such as begonias or gladioli, bloom in early summer, some lilies or montbretias do not show until late summer or fall. By cleverly combining different species, the flowering period in the garden can be extended from June to October.