Autumn is bulb-planting time. Plant tulips, daffodils, alliums and crocus from September to November for colour from February to July. All packs are in stock, with free tracked delivery across 25 EU countries.
When to plant spring bulbs
Plant most spring bulbs from September to November, and tulips from late October to early December. Daffodils, crocus, snowdrops, grape hyacinths and alliums root best in warm autumn soil, so earlier is better. Tulips are the exception: planting them once the soil has cooled reduces the risk of tulip fire, a fungal disease that thrives in mild, wet conditions. Every spring bulb needs a cold winter to flower, which a northern European winter provides.
Planting depth, spacing and flowering time
A simple rule: plant a bulb at two to three times its own height, pointed end up.
| Bulb | Depth | Bulbs per m² | Flowers | Comes back each year? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowdrop (Galanthus) | 8–10 cm | 75–100 | Jan–Feb | Yes, spreads |
| Winter aconite (Eranthis) | 5 cm | 75–100 | Jan–Mar | Yes, spreads |
| Crocus | 8–10 cm | 75–100 | Feb–Mar | Yes, naturalises in grass |
| Daffodil (Narcissus) | 10–15 cm | 25–50 | Feb–Apr | Yes, reliably |
| Grape hyacinth (Muscari) | 8 cm | 75–100 | Mar–Apr | Yes, spreads |
| Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) | 10–15 cm | 25–40 | Mar–Apr | Yes, smaller blooms after year one |
| Tulip (Tulipa) | 15–20 cm | 50–75 | Apr–May | Species tulips yes; many hybrids are best replanted |
| Camassia | 10–15 cm | 15–25 | May–Jun | Yes, likes damp soil |
| Allium | 10–15 cm | 5–10 large, 50+ small | May–Jul | Yes |
Bulbs for wet soils
Most bulbs rot if they sit in waterlogged ground. On heavy clay, dig in horticultural grit, plant on a slight mound or grow tulips in pots. Some bulbs are happy in damp ground: daffodils, camassia, snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) and summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum). For a ready-made mix, see our Damp Garden Bulb Collection below.
Pollinator-friendly bulbs
Early-flowering bulbs are one of the first sources of pollen and nectar for queen bumblebees coming out of hibernation. Flowers from early spring to autumn give pollinators food through the season. The best bulbs for bees have single, open flowers: crocus, snowdrops, winter aconite, grape hyacinths, Siberian squill (Scilla), camassia and alliums. Double-flowered tulips and daffodils offer bees very little. Use the Pollinator-friendly filter above to see them, and browse our pollinator plants.
Native bluebells or Spanish bluebells?
The native bluebell of western Europe is Hyacinthoides non-scripta. The Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is a vigorous garden plant that can cross-breed with the native species. If your garden is near woodland, a hedgerow or open countryside, choose native bluebells. Keep Spanish bluebells to contained beds and borders.
How many bulbs do I need?
For a natural drift, plant generously and in irregular groups rather than rows. As a guide, a 120-bulb pack of tulips fills about 2 m², and a 400-bulb pack of crocus or grape hyacinths covers about 4–5 m² of lawn or border. Our larger garden collections mix several bulbs for a succession of flowers from one planting.
Bulbs in pots: the lasagne method
Layer bulbs in a deep pot: tulips at the bottom, daffodils or hyacinths in the middle, crocus or grape hyacinths on top. Each layer flowers in turn, from late February into May. Use a free-draining compost and raise the pot on feet so it doesn't sit in water over winter.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to plant bulbs in November or December?
No. Tulips can go in until early December, and most other bulbs will still flower if planted by the end of November, although they may flower a little later in their first spring. Plant as soon as you can, whenever the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged.
What does bulb size 10/12 mean?
It's the bulb's circumference in centimetres. Larger sizes have more stored energy, so they give bigger or more flowers. Small bulbs such as crocus and muscari are naturally a smaller size.
Are flower bulbs toxic to pets?
Yes, several are. The ASPCA lists tulips, daffodils and hyacinths as toxic to cats and dogs, and the bulb itself is the most toxic part. Store bulbs out of reach before planting and discourage dogs from digging in newly planted beds.
How are the bulbs delivered?
Bulbs are sent dry and dormant in tracked packaging, with free delivery that usually takes 5–8 working days. Plant them soon after they arrive. If you need to wait, keep them somewhere cool, dry and airy, not in a sealed bag.
More planting help: planting spring bulbs now, the autumn planting guide, native and pollinator-friendly gardens and our seasonal planting calendar.