Spring Flowering Bulbs

Creating a colourful, fragrant Spring garden is easier than you think!

Autumn brings the perfect conditions to get your hands dirty in the garden and start preparing soil for planting Spring Flowering Bulbs that will see your garden bursting with colour this Spring.  Some of our favourites to plant at this time include Anemones, Tulips, Daffodils and Freesias as they are no-fuss and come in a wonderful range of colours to suit any garden palette.

When to plant Spring Flowering Bulbs in Australia

Spring flowering bulbs are planted during Autumn and spend Winter in the ground. They need several weeks of cold temperatures to break their dormancy and flower to their full potential in Spring. After flowering, many bulbs can be left in the ground and will multiply in the soil flowering year after year.

Flowering bulbs are perennial in nature – so they are set and forget plants, however, some varieties such as Tulips, Daffodils and Hyacinths will benefit from lifting at the end of the flowering season for replanting next Autumn as they may rot if left in the soil. Try using a Bulb Planting Basket at planting time for these varieties as it makes locating and lifting your bulbs a breeze. They also double as a handy storage container for lifted bulbs, allowing plenty of airflow.

Where to plant Spring Flowering Bulbs

As long as your bulbs have good drainage and sunlight, you can plant them almost anywhere. In smaller spaces, try planting your bulbs in ornamental pots and place in a sunny spot. In larger gardens, plant en masse either in raised garden beds or plots in the ground for the ultimate display come Spring. Bulbs on the most part are very hardy and require little water or attention once planted. 

Caring for Spring Flowering Bulbs

If you have ever wondered how to grow your own Spring Flowering Bulbs such as Daffodils and Tulips, you'll be happy to know that they are really easy to grow. Here are our top tips for healthy Spring bulbs:

• Buy your bulbs as early as possible and be sure to select the healthiest. Look for bulbs that are firm and plump when you squeeze them. Don’t plant anything that is soft, squishy, diseased or mouldy.
• Plant in rows or groups for a spectacular display or mix it up a little by scattering them about 10cm apart.
• Well-drained soil and lots of sun are their main requirements but make sure you also dig in plenty of compost and well-rotted manure where possible.
• Most bulbs grow well in pots or tubs, but Tulips, Hyacinths, Daffodils and Dutch Crocus are particularly suited to being grown this way.
• Minimise the amount of hot afternoon sun as high temperatures can affect bulb flowering.
• Most bulbs need full sun or partial sun, but if you are in an area with hot Summers, delay planting until the weather and the soil have cooled down.
• Remember to check your bulb packet for the correct planting depth as bulbs planted incorrectly could run out of energy before they can break through the soil surface.  As a general guide, plant your bulbs 2-3 times as deep as they are wide.
• Most bulbs should be planted ‘pointy end up’ except Ranunculi, which like to be planted claws down.
• Make sure your bulbs have good drainage and adequate moisture during growing season. Incorporating composts and planting in mounds or raised beds will help if your soil remains quite damp.
• Avoid over-fertilising bulbs, especially those in pots. A little blood and bone at planting time and then some slow-release fertiliser as flowering finishes. This will ensure healthy bulbs for the following year. Make sure you allow foliage to die back completely before removing as this energy redirects back to the bulb for next season.
• Place your Tulips and Hyacinth in the crisper section of 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 to perform better in our relatively warm climate.
  
  

Where to buy Spring Flowering Bulbs in Australia

Mr Fothergill's stocks over 120 varieties of Spring Flowering Bulbs, with new additions every season meaning there is something for every style of garden.

The Spring Flowering Bulb range is available between March and May and can be purchased both online and at well-stocked independent garden retailers nationwide.

Be sure to also check out our Summer Flowering Bulb and Summer Produce ranges which will be available from June to September.

Shop Mr Fothergill's Spring Flowering Bulbs

Click on the image to download a PDF version of the above chart 

FAQ's

What are Spring Flowering Bulbs?

Spring Flowering Bulbs are bulbs that flower in Spring. However, for them to flower in Spring they need to be planted earlier in the year to establish and grow ready for their Spring show. Common Spring Flowering Bulbs include Daffodils, Tulips, Jonquils, Freesias, Dutch Iris, Hyacinth, Anemone and Ranunculi. Most Spring bulbs are usually planted between March and May.

What bulbs to plant in Autumn?

Spring Flowering Bulbs such as Daffodils, Tulips, Jonquils, Freesias, Dutch Iris, Hyacinth, Anemone and Ranunculi are planted in Autumn in Australia and spend Winter in the ground. They need several weeks of cold temperatures to break their dormancy and flower to their full potential in Spring. Garlic bulbs are also planted in Autumn.