Can you still plant bulbs in January? Advice from garden experts
Gardeners wondering if January is too late to plant bulbs can rest assured that it is possible – but it's important to know the drawbacks.
While September to November remains the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs, experts say there are still some options available come January.
“Spring-flowering bulbs are best planted in autumn,” says Horticultural Buyer at Fothergill's, Susie Curtis. “But it’s not too late if you haven’t had a chance yet.”
Some bulbs are more forgiving of late planting than others. Tulips and daffodils can all be planted in January if the ground isn't frozen (if it is, opt for pots instead) – but they may flower later than usual. January planting also comes with more risk that they won't be successful
However, for snowdrop bulbs, experts say it's best to hold off. Instead, buy these just after flowering when the leaves are still green, (‘in the green’), and plant them in February or March.
“True galanthophiles (snowdrop fans) plant them as plants, not bulbs. These beautiful flowers have much to teach us, from their medicinal properties to their ability to brighten the dullest winter days,” Head gardener at Hever Castle & Gardens, Neil Miller, says. Hever Castle’s Snowdrop Walks – open from 12 February onwards, showcases over 150,000 snowdrops in full bloom, a testament to their impact when planted en masse.
How to plant bulbs in January
Whether planting in borders or pots, proper technique is essential to give your bulbs the best chance.
In borders:
Ensure the soil is not frozen or waterlogged.
Plant bulbs at a depth of two to three times their size, with the pointed end facing upwards.
“For a naturalistic style, scatter your bulbs over the soil and plant where they land,” suggests Susie.
Avoid planting under large evergreen trees or shrubs, as these cast too much shade.
In pots:
Use a pot with drainage holes and fill it with a mix of compost and horticultural grit (3:1 ratio).
Plant bulbs at a depth of about 12cm, ensuring no large air gaps.
Cover your pot with chicken wire or rose prunings to deter squirrels from disturbing tulips until the bulbs start to shoot through.
Place the pot in a sunny spot, but don’t overwater; if the bulbs are wet, they can rot.
“It’s a nice winter job to do,” Susie continues, “especially when the weather makes it hard to work elsewhere in the garden.”
Skye Buchanan, head gardener at Links House at Royal Dornoch, also emphasises the importance of soil preparation and aftercare.
“Put bulbs in at least two or three times their size, then mulch over the top with well-rotted manure or compost,” he advises. “Nip off the heads and feed with fertiliser or bone meal once they flower. Leave the stems to die back naturally to ensure strong bulbs for next year.”
Ideal flowers to grow in January
Consider sweet peas if you’re looking for other blooms to brighten your garden. According to Gardening Expert at Rhino Greenhouses Andrew White, sweet peas sown in January reward gardeners with a longer season of fragrant flowers.
Sweet pea planting tips:
Soak seeds in water for a day before sowing.
Use long pots or root trainers filled with compost, and water well before adding seeds.
Cover pots with mesh to keep mice away if sowing in a greenhouse.
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