For gardeners who want quick color, spring-planted bulbs are the answer. Unlike seeds, which require time and patience, bulbs already contain the energy needed to grow as soon as conditions are ideal. That said, some varieties reach maturity faster than others. As soon as the soil warms in spring and the threat of frost has passed, our gardening experts recommend planting these bulbs (and bulb-like forms) for speedy results.
Meet Our Expert
Tabar Gifford, partnership coordinator and master gardener at American Meadows
Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist representing Flowerbulb.eu
Related: 8 Flowers That Thrive in Pots and Containers, According to Horticulturists
01 of 07
Gladiolus
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Gladioli (Gladiolus spp.) are one of the fastest ways to add vertical drama to your garden. “After planting, they send up narrow, sword-like leaves, followed by tall flower spikes in about 70 to 90 days,” says Tabar Gifford, partnership coordinator and master gardener at American Meadows. “What I love most is how intentional they feel—like living exclamation points dotted through the landscape. They last a few weeks as a cut flower, too, if you harvest them as the very first buds open.” Taller varieties need staking, and the bulbs should be dug up and stored during winter in cold climates.
02 of 07
Asiatic Lily
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If you’re looking for something low-maintenance that blooms relatively quickly, Asiatic lilies (Lilium Asiatic hybrids) are a proven winner. “They typically flower in about 60 to 75 days, making them one of the earlier summer performers among spring-planted bulbs,” says Gifford. “While not typically fragrant, their vibrant colors and clean, upright form make them standout additions to the garden and excellent cut flowers.” Once established, these flowers take care of themselves and are cold-hardy, meaning they do not require overwintering indoors.
03 of 07
Dahlia
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Dahlias (Dahlia spp.) are the darlings of any summer flower garden. They’re available in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes, ranging in height from 1 to 5 feet. “Most varieties will need to be staked to hold the plant and large, heavy blooms upright, but that’s a small price for the magnificent blooms,” says Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist representing Flowerbulb.eu. “They make outstanding cut flowers, but don’t cut them in bud. Unlike most flowers, the buds of dahlias will not open after cutting.” Plant dahlias in spring, once the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, ensuring they receive full sun and well-drained soil.
04 of 07
Canna Lily
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Bring a tropical feel to your garden with canna lilies (Canna × generalis). “The orchid-like flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. They thrive in the ground or large containers and love the heat and humidity,” says Montgomery. Canna lilies thrive in warm, moist soil and full to partial sun. Plant them in the ground in spring once the threat of frost has passed. “By mid to late summer, they’re often one of the most eye-catching plants in the garden,” Gifford adds.
05 of 07
Crocosmia
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Crocosmia bulbs (Crocosmia spp.) produce slim, upright foliage topped with flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. “These beauties attract hummingbirds and butterflies, but deer and rabbits don’t care for them,” says Montgomery. Over time, the bulbs naturalize and spread throughout the garden without any work on your end. Grow crocosmia in moist, organically rich, well-draining soil in full sun to light shade.
06 of 07
Anemone
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Spring-planted anemones (Anemone spp) are a hidden gem. “They bloom in roughly 60 to 90 days, especially if you give them a head start by soaking the corms before planting,” says Gifford. “Their delicate, poppy-like flowers have a lightness to them—they catch the breeze and seem to move with the garden.” They’re surprisingly productive in their first season and are a perfect addition to cut gardens. Give anemones full to partial sun and well-draining soil, and they’ll bloom for weeks.
07 of 07
Calla Lily
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Calla lilies (Zantedeschia) are sculptural, elegant, heat-loving plants ideal for growing in containers or in the garden. “I put them in a prominent place in the garden until they have finished blooming in late summer and the foliage begins to droop,” says Montgomery. “They can be dug up in the fall in cool climates and overwintered indoors, or you can use them guilt-free as annuals.” These deer-resistant plants thrive in moist, well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight.
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