Frequently Asked Questions
Each variety may have a different best planting time, but generally, in the UK, they should be planted towards the start of spring, or just before it, between late February and early April.
When you do decide to plant, you can dig individual holes for each bulb or a trench for planting multiple bulbs together. Some like Gladiolus are suitable for planting in groups, but for others like Dahlias, it is best to plant them individually.
With many varieties, there are of course some partial favourites amongst enthusiasts. A few include...
- Dahlias
- Crocosmia
- Begonia
Yes, they can multiply. The process is known as bulb propagation and is a topic we’ve covered in our blog. For some bulbs, this process comes naturally, but for others, human interaction is required.
Produced bulb offsets should be separated from around the main plant after the flowers have died back, which usually happens 6-8 weeks after bloom. If they have already sprouted, they can be replanted straight away, being well-watered until established.
A lot of spring planting items, such as begonias, and dahlias, are frost sensitive, so at first, they’ll need to be grown in a warm environment. Starting them off in pots in a heated greenhouse or a warm area of your home is ideal. Once the risk of frost has passed, they are planted outside. If the bulbs are in the green (already sprouting), they can be planted straight away.
Generally, summer flower bulbs thrive best in sunny positions, though some varieties prefer partial shade. It’s important to plant them in free-draining soil to prevent rotting.