The Best Way To Plant Spring Bulbs

Spring bulbs tend to suit cooler climates, including tulip, daffodil and hyacinth, but there are some for warmer areas, such as babiana, jonquil, freesia, snowflake, Spanish bluebell and grape hyacinth.

Some like freesia self-seed so don’t plant near the bush. 


Well-draining soil is best.

Improve sandy, dry or compacted soil with compost and fertiliser from nurseries or garden centres.

Thick pots keep the potting mix cool for healthy growth. 



Choose a spot with winter and spring sun, then scatter bulbs and plant them where they land for a natural effect, or clump up to 15 close together.

Plant the pointy end facing upwards and twice as deep as the bulb width, so a 30mm-wide bulb sits 60mm below the surface.

Rainfall or weekly watering is enough, and go easy on the fertiliser.

When flowering finishes the foliage dies, but for some bulbs such as jonquils it lasts longer as they store food in the leaves.

If these are cut down too early the plant won’t flower next spring, so keep the yellowing leaves tidy by tying them in a knot.