Choosing Garden Bulbs
With hundreds of garden bulbs to choose from, selecting the right combinations can be a challenge. To help you get the best bulbs for your garden displays, we've answered a few frequently asked questions below along with some expert recommendations.
Which bulbs flower earliest in the year?
Snowdrops are the earliest bulbs to flower in the garden, followed by crocus, narcissi and tulips.
Which bulbs give the longest lasting blooms?
Dahlia and begonia tubers will give you one of the longest displays, flowering from summer through to the first frosts. Keep deadheading them to encourage more flowers.
What’s the latest I can plant flowering bulbs?
Narcissi, crocus and hyacinths are best planted by the end of September and tulips in November. However, if you have unplanted bulbs in December or January, it’s still worth getting them in the ground or into pots.
How to plant flower bulbs
Most flower bulbs should be planted at a depth equal to two to three times the height of the bulb, and about two bulb widths apart. Tulip bulbs are an exception, and need to be planted a little deeper – to a depth of about 20cm depending on the variety. Here at Suttons our flower bulbs and tubers come ready to plant during their dormant phase. All you need to do is get your bulbs into the ground at the time indicated on the packaging to ensure the best results.
Caring for bulbs and tubers after flowering
Hardy bulbs can be left in the ground all year and will naturalise over time, providing a carpet of flowers each spring. You can manage your bulbs by digging them up and splitting them – check out our guide for comprehensive details on how to naturalise bulbs effectively. For half-hardy and tender bulbs and tubers, it’s important to move them indoors for overwintering.
For more information on growing bulbs and tubers, head over to our flower bulb help pages where you’ll find our collection of guides covering all aspects of bulb cultivation.
