Autumn planting season is almost here. We asked the experts at Brent & Becky’s for beautiful blooms to brighten up both fall and spring.
By Leona Baker
When summer’s heat is behind us and the first frost looms, that’s the time for planting bulbs in your gardens and containers. The most familiar types of bulbs planted in the fall, such as most daffodils and tulips, are those that bloom the following spring, offering the promise of new life and eye-catching color in March and April.
But there are also plenty of bulbs that can be planted in the fall and bloom in the fall, says Jay Hutchins, “Grin”-eral Manager at Brent & Becky’s in Gloucester, which is currently celebrating 125 years in the business of bulbs that turn into beautiful blooms. And while patience might be a virtue, what’s not to love about faster florals?
“As the weather begins to cool in the fall, the summer colors, with the exception of Dahlias who love the cool nights, will begin to fade,” Hutchins says. “Fall-planted and fall-blooming bulbs are a way to extend color into the fall and early Winter. And if you’re a fan of instant gratification, this quick turnaround between planting time and bloom is about as zippy as it comes!”
We asked Hutchins to tell us about some perfect picks for planting this autumn—first blubs that would bloom this fall and then those that will bloom the following spring.
A Guide to Fall-Blooming and Spring-Blooming Bulbs
By Jay Hutchins
Plant in Fall… for Fall Blooms
From ornamental charm to culinary reward, visual impact to stylish groundcover— these fall-blooming bulbs can be a secret weapon for gardeners. They add a burst of unexpected color and texture just as much of the rest of the garden begins to fade.
Autumn Daffodil
{ Sternbergia lutea }
Known for bright golden blooms, Sternbergia lutea resembles a crocus but is part of the Narcissus family. Brent & Becky’s praises its durability and pest resistance for autumn landscapes.
Plant in the early Fall and watch for cheerful yellow flowers that stand 3 to 4 inches tall in late season. Ideal for rock edges or naturalized lawns, its glossy foliage follows the blooms, enriching winter structure.
Glory-of-the-Snow
{ Chionodoxa }
While typically a spring bulb, some hardy varieties can bloom in late winter or early spring with the promise of fall planting. Brent & Becky’s features Chionodoxa among adaptable, early-season bulbs.
Plant in the fall for crisp, star-shaped blue or white flowers in late winter. Their low height (3 inches) is perfect for underplanting beneath shrubs, early bulbs or pathways.
Fall-Blooming Crocus
{ Crocus sativus }
Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus, is a unique fall-planted bulb that blooms in mid to late autumn with striking lavender-purple flowers and vivid red-orange stigmas—the source of prized saffron spice. Brent & Becky’s notes that while it’s beautiful, it also serves a dual purpose: ornamental charm and culinary reward.
Each bloom offers just three stigmas, so planting in groups enhances both visual impact and your saffron harvest potential. Like other crocus, it prefers well-drained soil in full sun and naturalizes well in suitable conditions, offering years of late-season blooms and a touch of exotic luxury to your garden.
{ Crocus speciosus ‘Albus’ & Crocus kotschyanus }
These autumn crocuses shine when little else blooms, opening in early-to-mid fall with lilac, white petals and eye-catching yellow throats. Plant them in sunny, protected spots like rock gardens or groundcovers to maximize visual impact.
While not fully critter-proof, they still deter many animals. Their compact 3- to 5-inch height makes them excellent for drifts and borders, filling late-season gaps and attracting pollinators before frost.
Spring Crocus
{ Crocus tommasinianus }
These early spring gems burst through cold ground in the somewhat late winter, delivering vibrant purples, whites and yellows. Varieties like “Ruby Giant” are especially coveted for their deer-resistant qualities and ability to naturalize among lawn or rock gardens.
Brent & Becky’s highlights crocuses for their ease of care and reliability as garden “first-responders” to spring. Plant corms in the fall, and by early spring you’ll enjoy delicate, cup-shaped blooms that herald the gardening season. Their small stature—just 3 to inches—makes them perfect for edging, under trees or tucked among perennial borders.
Snowdrops
{ Galanthus elwesii }
Brent & Becky’s showcases Galanthus elwesii for its crisp, fragrant, nodding white flowers that often bloom through snow. Ideal in the shade or partially shaded areas, these bulbs naturalize beautifully and are nearly immune to browsing pests.
Fall planting allows them to establish roots before dormancy. When early spring arrives, the slender foliage emerges, followed by iconic teardrop blossoms that add charm to early-season gardens and pair beautifully with crocus or early daffodils.
Eastern Sowbread
{ Cyclamen coum }
A standout for shade gardens, Cyclamen coum offers winter blooms of soft pink and rose, making it one of Brent & Becky’s preferred “special bulbs.” The rounded, variegated leaves persist through winter, providing structure when flowers fade.
Plant these in the fall, and enjoy petite, upswept petals with red eyes from late winter into early spring. Their critter-resistant nature makes them ideal for woodland edges, rock gardens and container combinations.
Daffodils
{ Narcissus }
A staple at Brent & Becky’s farm, daffodils like “Accent” and “Golden Echo” bring mid-spring brilliance and fragrance. Their long-lasting blooms and ease of perennializing make them reliable bulb investments.
Fall planting (after the first frost) ensures strong root development. Expect bright yellow, peach, red, orange, or pink cups and petaled flowers from March through April, offering a cheerful transition between early crocus and spring perennials.
Spring Starflower
{ Ipheion uniflorum ‘Jessie’ }
Brent & Becky’s recommends this compact and fragrant blue starflower for borders and rock gardens. Fall-planted, it produces grassy foliage that endures through winter.
In the spring, graceful pale-blue star blooms emerge in profusion, often self-seeding. Its garlic-scented leaves deter pests, and its height (6 to 8 inches) complements low spring bulbs and perennials.
Persian Pearl
{ Tulipa humilis }
Though earlier than typical tulips, this small, fall-planted tulip blooms early-to-mid spring with striking buttercup-yellow cups edged in magenta and cyclamen tones. Fall planting supports strong spring performance.
Growing just 3 to 4 inches tall, this species suits rock gardens or front-of-border displays. Brent & Becky’s suggests planting in groups of 15–20 bulbs per square foot for color-packed floral bursts and easy maintenance.
Leona Baker
Leona Baker is the former Editor-in-Chief of Coastal Virginia Magazine. She is a writer, creative, communications professional, food freak, news junkie, nature and travel lover and mom. She holds a degree in English from James Madison University and a degree in Dance & Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. She previously served as Senior Copywriter for Spark 451, Director of Marketing & Communications at Virginia Wesleyan University, and Senior Editor of Port Folio Weekly.
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