The winter has passed, and your garden has so much to look forward to! From the first sprouting daffodils to the colourful bloom of tulips, spring-flowering bulbs are the perfect way to welcome the new season. For gardeners all over Australia who want to give their displays a dash of brilliance, this Mr Fothergill’s guide to spring-flowering bulbs has everything you need to know, from when to plant your spring-flowering bulbs to our top picks for your garden.
What Are Spring-Flowering Bulbs?
Let’s begin with the basics. Spring-flowering bulbs are those that are planted in autumn in order to bloom in spring. Often displaying vibrant and beautiful colours, they are relatively easy to grow and are really versatile, suitable for growing in pots, beds, and borders.
A common misconception is that spring-flowering bulbs are those that are planted in spring, but this isn’t the case. In order to grow and flower in spring, these bulbs need to be in the ground several months ahead of the season. Spring can be the time for planting summer-flowering bulbs, but let’s focus on those that flower during this time of the year.
Some of the most popular spring-flowering bulbs include:
Timing Is Everything: When To Plant Flower Bulbs for Spring
For these bulbs to flower in spring, we have to wind the clock back to give them the time to grow. In Australia, the perfect time to plant these bulbs is mid- to late autumn, ideally in April or May. In cooler climates, such as Victoria, April is the ideal time, though May is preferred for warmer climates like Queensland and Western Australia.
In addition to ensuring several months’ growing time, planting in autumn is essential for spring-flowering bulbs, as temperature plays a vital role in their development. The bulbs break out of dormancy once the cool weather turns warm in spring, stimulating root development. Autumn provides this ahead of winter, giving bulbs time to develop roots and gather nutrients.
Planting and Caring for Your Bulbs: Our Step-by-Step Guide
If you want to bring colour and vibrance to your spring garden, we’ve got the perfect step-by-step to help you plant and nurture these impressive bulbs.
- Step 1: Begin by identifying a spot in the garden that gets plenty of sun. This spot also needs to have well-drained soil; you can also add compost or manure to improve its structure.
- Step 2: Using a trowel or bulb planter, dig your holes roughly three times as deep as your bulbs’ height. Ensure these holes are approximately two bulb widths apart.
- Step 3: With the pointed end pointing skyward, lower your bulbs into their holes and cover with soil. Gently firm the soil to ensure there are no air pockets.
- Step 4: After planting, water your bulbs well to settle the soil. Going forward, water the soil when it feels dry to the touch.
Come springtime, your efforts will be rewarded with a beautiful display of flowers. There is, however, one final step. Many spring-flowering bulbs are perennial, so be sure to give your flowers the space to wither and die down in order to fuel next year’s growth.
Mr Fothergill's Top Tips for Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Ready to create your own perfect spring garden? Here are a few more expert quickfire tips!
- Buy your bulbs as early as possible and look for those that are firm and plump when you squeeze them. Don’t plant anything soft, squishy, diseased, or mouldy.
- Most bulbs grow well in pots or tubs, but tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and Dutch crocuses are particularly suited for growing this way.
- Avoid over-fertilising bulbs, especially those in pots.
- Place your tulips and hyacinths in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before planting. The fridge replicates the cold winter temperatures the bulbs experience in their native habitat and helps them perform better in our relatively warm climate.
Our Top 10 Favourite Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Romantic Pastels Ranunculus Bulbs
Bringing a slice of the Mediterranean to your spring garden, the Romantic Pastels Ranunculus bulbs are rich with warm, eye-catching colour.
Anemone Poppy Blue Bulbs
With a long flowering time, Anemone Poppy Blue bulbs are beautiful, bringing months of adorable blue to your garden.
Refracta Alba Freesia Bulbs
An old favourite that smells terrific, Refracta Alba Freesia bulbs are a bonus for any classic cottage-style garden.
Replete Daffodil Bulbs
A wonderful twist on a classic, Replete Daffodil bulbs feature a delightful ruffled double bloom with a brilliant splash of peach-pink.
Negrita Tulip Bulbs
Atop a sturdy stem, Negrita Tulip bulbs provide an elegant lilac to your garden display, emanating elegance and style.
Yellowstone Hyacinth Bulbs
Certain to brighten any spring garden, the stunning yellow of Yellowstone Hyacinth bulbs is perfect for anyone looking for maximum colour impact.
Jonquil Paperwhite Bulbs
The white clusters of Jonquil Paperwhite bulbs are a springtime treat for anyone looking to add elegant style to their displays.
Sparaxis Harlequin Bulbs
Welcome the warmer weather with the ‘hot’ bloom of Sparaxis Harlequin bulbs’ red, pink, orange, and purple colours.
Allium Drumstick Bulbs
The perfect companion to so many springtime flowers, Allium Drumstick bulbs stand tall and catch the sun with their rich purple blooms.
Dutch Iris Professor Blauw Bulbs
A magnificent way to finish any bulb list, Dutch Iris Professor Blauw bulbs feature delightful blue petals with brushstrokes of yellow at the centre.
Discover Spring-Flowering Bulbs With Mr Fothergill’s
Make next spring one to remember with spring-flowering bulbs from Mr Forthergill’s. Whether you’re heading into autumn or pre-ordering bulbs for next year, we have the products and expert advice you need to fill your garden with brilliant colour and fragrance. If you want to give your garden a springtime boost, check out our full range of spring-flowering bulbs, or feel free to contact us with your questions.
