As the weather starts to warm up, it’s the perfect time to put summer flowering bulbs and tubers in the ground or in containers ready for a colourful display in the summer months. This is a great activity to get the kids involved, it’s easy to do and the benefits are so rewarding!
So, how do you successfully plant bulbs?
Which compost is best for planting bulbs?
Most bulbs will do just find in a general multi-purpose compost, although you can purchase bulb fibre which is a specially formulated compost with a structure that provides good drainage and avoids the risk of bulbs becoming waterlogged and rotting.
Which way up should you plant them?
Bulbs should always be planted with the growing tip facing upwards, and if the bulb is flatter without an obvious tip – the bulb should be planted on its side.
A general rule is to plant bulbs at 3 times their depth.
What next?
Make sure your bulbs are well watered as they begin to grow, particularly if they are in containers. As the foliage starts to die back, you can reduce watering and put them away at the end of the season.
Need inspiration? Here are some of our favourites:
These stunning perennials add depth to borders and provide early flowers starting late-Spring time.
Begonias are a great option for adding colour to shaded areas of the garden. Their flowers will last from summer right up until the first frosts in November.
Polianthes tuberosa is one of the best to grow for a beautiful fragrance. A little tricker to grow as they need a minimum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, but their stunning flowers won’t disappoint.
Need some more advice? Ask our experts in store for the best varieties for your garden, and have fun creating your colourful summer blooms!