Which flower bulbs do you plant in the autumn?

Autumn is just around the corner. Do you want to know when to plant flower bulbs to enjoy color in the spring? The answer is shorter than you think. From mid-September until the first frost, you can plant flower bulbs that will bloom next spring. Think of crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, allium, anemones, and grape hyacinths. They all go into the ground in autumn, while the soil is still warm.

In this article, we list the seven flower bulbs you can plant in the autumn, including planting depth, blooming time, and the best time to put them in the ground.

Why plant flower bulbs in the autumn?

Flower bulbs that bloom in the spring need cold. The bulb already contains everything—the flower, the leaves, and the stored nutrients—but it must undergo a period of cold for several weeks before it can sprout a stem. It only gets this cold period if it spends the winter in the ground.

Furthermore, the soil is still pleasantly warm in September and October. The bulb will quietly grow roots without anything happening above ground. By the time it gets truly cold, it is firmly established. If you wait until March to plant, it misses both the cold and the root-development period, often resulting in nothing but leaves.

When exactly do you plant which flower bulbs?

September, October, or November. The planting period for autumn bulbs runs from mid-September until the first night frost, but not every bulb wants to be planted at the same time:

• Mid-September to October is the time for daffodils, allium, crocuses, grape hyacinths, and Anemone blanda. These bulbs like to develop deep roots and can go into the ground first.
• October to early November is the time for tulips and hyacinths. For tulips, wait until the soil is below 10 degrees Celsius. If you plant them in warm soil, the risk of mold and bulb diseases is higher. At our nursery, we never plant the first tulips in September either.
• November is often still fine, as long as the soil isn't frozen or waterlogged. Planting later usually means blooming is delayed by a week or two. That’s not a disaster. A bulb in the ground late is still better than one that stays in the bag.

The seven autumn bulbs listed

At Bulbs4You, we offer various flower bulbs that must be planted in the autumn so you can enjoy a colorful garden in the spring. We have listed the 7 flower bulbs and their ideal planting time for you:

When to plant crocuses?

Crocuses are the first you see. They pop through the bare soil in February and sometimes bloom even while there is still a bit of snow. Plant them in groups of ten or more, 5 to 8 cm deep, and leave them undisturbed after blooming: crocuses return year after year and naturalize beautifully in the grass. A wonderful sight and the true start of spring!

When to plant grape hyacinths?

Grape hyacinths do the same work as crocuses, but in a deep blue color that photographers love so much. They are small, generally inexpensive, and remarkably indestructible. Plant them 5 to 8 cm deep along a path or under a tree and forget about them afterward. After a few years, you'll have more than you planted!

When to plant daffodils?

Daffodils can go into the ground first, starting mid-September. They like to be planted a bit deeper than the rest, 12 to 15 cm, and they are not fond of "wet feet." In March and April, they bloom in yellow, white, orange, or a combination of these colors. Daffodils are also bulbs that moles and voles tend to avoid, making them a safe choice in a garden with many visitors.

When to plant hyacinths?

Plant hyacinths in October or November, 10 to 15 cm deep. You often smell them before you see them. Did you know that one group of hyacinths by the front door is enough to make your entire path fragrant? They bloom in March and April, at the same time as the daffodils. Hyacinths also do well in a flowerpot indoors.

When to plant anemones?

Anemone blanda is a true autumn bulb. Plant them from September to November, 5 cm deep. They will bloom in March and April in blue, white, or pink. Note: the larger Anemone coronaria works differently. Plant those only in February or March, or in autumn in a sheltered spot.

When to plant tulips?

Tulips don't need to go in the ground first. Wait until October, when the soil is below 10 degrees, and plant them 10 to 15 cm deep with the point facing up. They will bloom beautifully in April and May. If you want to know exactly how and when, we have written a separate article about it!

When to plant allium?

Allium, also known as ornamental onion, is the bulb that finishes the season. It blooms in May and June, when the tulips are already done. Plant large bulbs deep, up to 20 cm. Smaller varieties 10 to 15 cm. Leave the bulbs in the ground after blooming, and they will return. Furthermore, the dried flower heads look beautiful in a vase.

How to plant flower bulbs effectively

The rule of thumb is quite simple. You plant a bulb two to three times as deep as the bulb is high. If you have a 5 cm bulb, it goes 10 to 15 cm into the ground, measured from the top of the bulb to the surface. Also, pay attention to the following points:

• Point facing up: for irregular tubers, such as anemones, the flat side is the bottom.
• Spacing: about twice the width of the bulb. Planting them closer together is fine; it creates a fuller effect.
• Loose, well-drained soil: mix heavy clay with some sand or potting soil; standing water is the only thing bulbs truly cannot tolerate.
• Plant in groups: seven, ten, or fifteen bulbs together in an irregular shape looks more natural than a row.
• Fertilizing is not necessary: the bulb contains all the nutrients for the first year already.

Flower bulbs in a flowerpot or for your balcony?

No garden? Most bulbs also work perfectly in pots. Use a pot that is at least 20 cm deep with holes in the bottom, fill it with fresh potting soil, and plant the bulbs slightly closer together than you would in the garden. In winter, place the pot against a wall, out of the wind, and keep the soil moist but not wet.

Brenda's tip: you can also plant in layers. Large bulbs at the bottom, small ones on top. This way, the same pot continues to bloom from February through May.

Buying flower bulbs at Bulbs4You

In the autumn, you can order high-quality flower bulbs from Bulbs4You, which you can often start planting immediately. Our bulbs come from growers here in the "Bollenstreek" (Bulb Region) whom we know personally. We live and work among the fields, so we know exactly where a batch comes from and how it has been treated. Before shipping, we check the bulbs once more for quality, ensuring you put strong, healthy bulbs in the ground.

Your order will be posted within a few days and usually arrives within 4 working days. Shipping is free on orders over €70. This way, you will soon enjoy a delightful spring garden.

View all autumn bulbs

Frequently asked questions about flower bulbs

Can you still plant flower bulbs in December?

You can still plant flower bulbs in December, as long as the ground is not frozen. The blooming period will be slightly delayed and sometimes a little shorter. If you only get to it after the frost, plant the bulbs in pots and place them in a cold, sheltered spot; that works better than waiting until spring.

How deep do you plant flower bulbs?

You plant flower bulbs two to three times as deep as the bulb is high, measured from the top of the bulb. For most autumn bulbs, this comes down to 10 to 15 cm; crocuses, grape hyacinths, and anemones prefer to be shallower, around 5 cm.

Do you have to replant flower bulbs every year?

No, most flower bulbs do not need to be replanted every year. Daffodils, crocuses, grape hyacinths, and allium return for years and often even become more beautiful. Tulips and hyacinths become a bit less vigorous after a few years; replant them if the flowers become smaller.

Which bulbs are toxic to cats and dogs?

Tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils are toxic to cats and dogs, especially the bulb itself. Plant them in a spot where your pet does not like to dig, or choose a pot out of reach. If you are in doubt after your pet has eaten plant parts: call the veterinarian or the NVIC. We have written a separate article about it.

Which flower bulbs return every year?

Naturalizing bulbs return year after year and often spread on their own. Think of daffodils, crocuses, grape hyacinths, snowdrops, ornamental onion, and botanical tulips. Large-flowered tulips do not belong to this group: they usually provide one strong year and become weaker afterward. It is important that the soil is well-drained and that you leave the foliage after blooming until it turns yellow. The bulb draws its energy for the next year from that.

How many flower bulbs do you need per square meter?

That depends on the size of the bulb. You plant small bulbs like crocuses and grape hyacinths at about 100 to 150 per square meter, medium-sized bulbs like tulips and daffodils at 50 to 70, and large bulbs like ornamental onion at 10 to 25. If you want a full field of flowers, aim for the higher end of those ranges. For a natural look, plant them more loosely and in groups of seven to fifteen bulbs per variety.