Brighten Your Garden Year-Round with Flowering Bulbs
When we think of flowering bulbs, daffodils and tulips usually come to mind—but there’s a whole world of vibrant, easy-to-grow bulbs that can add seasonal colour, structure, and fragrance to your garden. Whether you're planting for a burst of spring joy or summer brilliance, bulbs are a simple and satisfying way to bring life to your garden.
Spring vs. Summer Flowering Bulbs
Most people are familiar with spring-flowering bulbs, which include favourites like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocus. These are generally available in nurseries around late February to April.
But don’t stop there! Many stunning summer and autumn flowering bulbs are available from June through August, depending on the variety. These include dahlias, gladioli, lilies, nerines, belladonna lilies, and more. Adding these to your garden keeps the colour going well beyond spring.
How to Plant Bulbs for Best Results
Growing bulbs is surprisingly easy, especially when you follow a few simple guidelines:
1. Soil Preparation
Most bulbs thrive in well-drained soil enriched with compost. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging, as this can cause bulbs to rot.
2. Light Requirements
Plant bulbs in a sunny position, unless you're working with shade-loving varieties like clivias or hostas. For partial shade, bulbs under deciduous trees can work beautifully in the cooler months.
3. Planting Depth & Orientation
As a general rule, plant bulbs at a depth twice the height of the bulb. Always plant with the pointed end facing up. If you’re unsure, look for the old root base—it usually goes down.
Some varieties like nerines and belladonna lilies should have their necks exposed above the soil.
4. Post-Flowering Care
After flowering, feed your bulbs with an All Purpose Plant Food and Sulphate of Potash to encourage strong blooms next year. Let the leaves die down completely before removing or lifting bulbs. This helps them store energy for the following season.
Lifting, Dividing & Storing Bulbs
Not all bulbs need to be lifted each year, but tulips and hyacinths are exceptions—they can rot in the ground over summer.
Other bulbs benefit from lifting and dividing every few years to improve flowering. Store dormant bulbs in a net bag in a cool, dry, and airy location. If you leave bulbs in the ground, make sure they don’t get too much moisture during the summer months.
Pro tip: Pop tulip bulbs in the fridge for 4–6 weeks before planting to encourage strong flower production. An egg carton is the perfect storage solution!
Bulbs in Pots & Containers
Bulbs are ideal for pots and tubs, especially if you have limited space or want to add colour to patios or entrances.
Use a high quality, free draing potting mix like Stoneman’s Premium Potting Mix - and position pots
in a sunny to part-shaded spot depending on the variety.
For a stunning display, mass plant bulbs or mix them with flowering annuals like pansies, violas, alyssum or petunias. These combinations add early colour and create beautiful, evolving arrangements throughout the season.
Once in bloom, move pots into high-traffic areas or bring them indoors to enjoy the flowers up close. After flowering, allow leaves to die down naturally so bulbs store energy for next season.
Did You Know?
- Tasmania has one of the best climates in the world for growing bulbs.
- Daffodil and hyacinth bulbs are toxic if ingested - keep them away from pets and children.
- Ranunculus corms should be planted with the “claws” down; anemones flat side up.
- Some bulbs that thrive in shaded areas include Lily of the Valley, Clivias, Hostas, Astilbes, Ginger Lilies, Crinums, and Peonies.
- In 17th-century Holland, flower bulbs were once more valuable than gold!
Final Tips for Success
- Plant bulbs as soon as you get them home.
- If storing before planting, keep them cool, dry, and well-ventilated.
- Water lightly after planting and avoid soggy conditions.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, adding bulbs to your garden is one of the easiest ways to enjoy months of stunning flowers.
Visit us in-store or explore our seasonal bulb range online to get started today!
