The exact month to plant your summer-flowering bulbs
Summer flowering bulbs, from dazzling dahlias to beautiful begonias, reward you with bursts of colour right until autumn. Easy to plant without taking up much space, most bulbs flower from midsummer onwards when spring colour begins to fade.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about when to plant your summer flowering bulbs:
When should you plant summer flowering bulbs?
Summer flowering bulbs should be planted from late February to early April, once the soil starts to warm up. Plant your bulbs shortly after purchase to avoid them drying out or deteriorating.
"This is the bit that most gardeners look forward to every year – planting your summer bulbs, ready to watch them grow over the remaining spring months," says Chris Cooper, Senior Product Marketing Manager and lawn expert at Hayter.
What are the best summer flowering bulbs?
The best bulbs for summer colour include:
Dahlias
Freesia
Lillies
Allium
Begonia
Gladiolus
Bearded Iris
Crocosmia
How should you plant your summer flowering bulbs?
"If your goal is to create a rich and wide display of bulbs, be sure to plant them in your borders in groups of four to six. The more you plant and the wider range of bulbs you use will affect how colourful your display will be come summer," says Chris.
"To plant them with enough room to grow to their potential, make sure they are planted at a depth two or three times the bulb's size.
"For example, a two-inch bulb is best planted around six inches deep. The shoot should be facing upwards and spaced at least a bulb width apart. After covering them back up with soil, simply water well and prepare to watch them grow."
What's the difference between spring and summer bulbs?
Spring bulbs are planted in early autumn, up to eight weeks before the first frost. Spring bulbs include crocuses, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, allium, and irises. They typically bloom from February to May, depending on the variety and the weather
Summer bulbs are planted in late February to early April, once all risks of frost have passed. Summer bulbs include dahlias, lilies, gladioli, caladiums, elephant ears, tuberous, and begonias. They typically bloom from June to August.
Are summer bulbs perennial?
Some summer bulbs come back every year, but not all. Perennial summer bulbs include begonias, calla lilies, gladioli, and dahlias. These bulbs bloom in the summer and will return year after year. Check on the package before buying to avoid disappointment.
Certain bulbs may even multiply, meaning you'll end up with bigger and brighter displays the following year.
Dahlia 'Rhubarb and Custard'
Iris 'Autumn Encore' (Reblooming)Iris germanicaBearded Iris
Dahlia 'Bee Friendly'
Waitrose Bee Friendly Bulbs35s
Summer Flowering Collection
Dahlia 'Berry Sorbet Mix'
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