Bulbs make a fine display planted in containers or borders, especially daffodils, snowdrops and tulips in spring. They are one of the easiest and most rewarding garden plants to grow.

Bulbs are useful for adding colour to spring borders. Tulips come in all shades, from dark purple to white, and bloom April to May, at a time of year when many plants offer muted colours. Narcissus varieties generally flower from February to April, although some varieties will flower in January.  Other bulbs, such as snowdrops and scillas, are some of the earliest flowering plants in the garden, brightening up the short days of very early spring.

Most bulbs like a sunny spot in free-draining soil, but there are types for all situations, from damp to dry soil, full sun to deep shade.

Planting time varies, usually depending on the flowering time.

In autumn plant:

• Spring-flowering bulbs, in September and October, but earlier is better.
• Tulips, in October and November.
• Hardy summer-flowering bulbs, in September and October.

In early spring plant:

• Tender summer-flowering bulbs, including gladioli.

Most bulbs prefer a warm, sunny location in free-draining soil. However, specific types are suitable for other locations, including shade and dry soil. Check the packet before buying to ensure you can provide the right growing conditions.

Before planting, improve light or sandy soil by digging in lots of garden compost. You can always improve drainage if you have a heavy, clay soil, by digging in plenty of organic matter, such as well-rotted garden compost or farmyard manure over a wider area before planting.

Planting in borders

Aim to plant in groups of at least six, as the more bulbs that are grouped together, the better the display. 

• Dig a hole wide and deep enough for your bulbs. Plant most bulbs at two to three times their depth. For example, for a bulb measuring 5cm (2in) high, dig a hole 10-15cm (4-6in) deep and sit the bulb in the bottom of it
• Place the bulbs in the hole with their ‘nose’, or shoot, facing upwards. Space them at least twice the bulb’s own width apart
• Replace the soil and gently firm with the back of a rake. Avoid treading on the soil as this can damage the bulbs
• If the ground is moist or the bulbs are autumn-planted, watering is not critical. Otherwise water straight after planting

In containers

Most bulbs are ideal for growing in containers.

• For bulbs that are only going to spend one season in their container, use a mix of three parts multi-purpose.
  For long-term container displays, use three parts John Innes No 2 compost mixed with one part grit.
• Plant at three times their depth and one bulb width apart
• Water bulbs once after planting then regularly when in active growth, but you can reduce watering once the leaves start to die down and then through the dormant season. However, continue to check pots in winter, ensuring they do not dry out completely
• To promote good flowering next year, feed the bulbs every seven to ten days with a high-potassium fertiliser such as a liquid tomato feed. Begin feeding as soon as shoots appear, and stop feeding once the foliage starts to die down at the end of the season