You don’t want to wait any longer before adding these to your garden
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
06:02, 09 Nov 2025
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The RHS advised people to plant bulbs before the end of November ready for the spring(Image: Getty)
Brits have been reminded of a crucial gardening task that must be completed now to guarantee “brilliant flower colours” come springtime. November is the ideal moment to plant tulip bulbs, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
On its website, the RHS outlined essential jobs to tackle in November to maximise your outdoor space. “As the final golden leaves fall from the trees, the ground more frequently becomes a glittering carpet of frost,” it said.
“Tender plants will need protecting from the cold and winter weather. Move plants into the greenhouse, or into a sheltered spot, but if you can’t, it is worth wrapping plants or pots.
“Remember winter can be a tough time for birds, so keep water and food well topped up.” Yet this season isn’t solely about safeguarding plants – it’s also about preparing them for the months ahead.
When planting tulips you must make sure the ground is not waterlogged(Image: Getty)
The RHS said: “Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year. Tulips are popular bulbs, valued for their brilliant flower colours and shapes. “Plant in autumn for a colourful spring show.
“Choose from short varieties for pots, taller stems for borders or small-bloomed species for naturalising in lawns.”
This applies to other bulb plants including daffodils and crocuses to ensure they flower in spring.
The RHS continued: “Dry bulbs are planted in autumn (September to November) when the plant is dormant. If you’re not able to plant bulbs straight away, store them in a cool dry place. Plants bought in containers in spring from garden retailers are planted straight away and will bloom in a matter of weeks.”
For these plants to grow successfully you must check the ground is not waterlogged first. ” These are grown for spring colour (as bedding plants), as they usually only flower reliably well in the first year,” the RHS said.
“For bedding, it is not necessary to have perfect soil, as bulbs will flower fine so long as the ground is not waterlogged.
“The bulbs are dug up after they’ve finished flowering. However, there are a few tulip cultivars that last longer and can be left in the ground where they’ll often flower for several years (see tulips that last more than one year).
“In this instance, well-drained soil in full sun is more important as it will help the display last for more years.” It also recommended planting them in borders between perennial plants, which will grow back in the spring.
Comments are closed.