There’s nothing quite like the first flash of a tulip to brighten your garden after winter. But when is the best time to plant tulip bulbs for colourful displays next year?
“Most spring bulbs can be planted in September and October for a spectacular spring display, whilst the soil is still warm. Tulips can be planted later in November for a flowering period in late spring,” says Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.
Tulips are among some of the easiest (and most rewarding) spring bulbs to grow, often coming back year after year.
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To grow your own this autumn, Julian recommends planting bulbs twice their own depth (around 10 cm deep). “For pots, limit the bulbs to about 10 per container for the best effect,” he says.
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Ensure you plant your bulb with the pointed end facing up and the flat base in the soil. “The general rule with planting depth is to plant approximately twice the size of the bulb down,” says Julian.
After their flowering period, deadhead the flowers to redirect energy back into the bulb. Wait for the foliage to turn yellow before removing. “Removing leaves too early can reduce the blooms next year.”
Then, carefully lift the bulb from the soil and place it in a paper bag. Store in a cool place over summer, before replanting for the following year.
“Storing their energy over the winter, they spring into life as winter draws to a close and look great in borders, filling in the gaps before your perennials and shrubs start to spring into action again, as well as in your lawn for a naturalising effect,” adds Julian.
Time to get planting…
faithfull Faithfull Essentials Long Handle Bulb PlanterCredit: viking-direct.co.uk
With a forged head and foot treads, this steel bulb planter provides stability and durability to help you plant your bulbs with ease. Best of all, the long-handled bulb planter will save your back as no digging is required.
Hand bulb planterCredit: crocus.co.uk
On the hunt for a hand-held bulb planter? Well, this affordable style ticks all the right boxes. Thanks to its serrated stainless steel blade, it provides easy movement through the soil and excellent rust resistance. It’s also much easier to store away in a shed or garage.
Wolf-Garten WOLF-Garten FHN Bulb Planter Fixed Hand ToolCredit: Amazon
Looking for a handheld bulb planter? Well, this style from Wolf-Garten has automatic soil release, side depth gauge and a colourful handle.
Kent and Stowe Stainless steel long handled bulb planterCredit: crocus.co.uk
This stainless steel bulb planter has a large T-shaped handle to make the grip and manoeuvre much easier. Marked with a 4-inch scale for accuracy, the head also features a tread-edge to make it easy to apply enough force to create the perfect depth holes for your bulbs.
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Credit: dobies.co.uk
This smaller bulb planter is easy to use; simply twist the bulb planter firmly into the ground to the required depth to remove a core of soil. Place the bulb into the hole and push the button to release the soil over it. You’ll have beautiful flowers in no time!
RHS Burgon and Ball long handled bulb planterCredit: crocus.co.uk
This long-handled planter has an angled blade and polished head to allow easier penetration into soil, with better access to remove soil plugs after use. Made with rust-resistant stainless steel, it has been designed to stand the test of time.
Bulb PlanterCredit: thompson-morgan.com
Available to snap up for under £5, this bulb planter from Thompson Morgan helps you create the perfect hole to plant you bulbs into. As well as being easy to use, it has depth markings to ensure all bulbs are planted at their correct depths. Clever!
Draper 3 X Bulb PlanterCredit: Amazon
In stainless steel, this handy bulb planter is ideal for bulbs and bedding plants. It has a hardened tool steel precision ground blades to help you precisely make a hole in the ground.
Selections Long Handled Metal Garden Bulb PlanterCredit: amazon.co.uk
This 100cm long-handled garden bulb planter is ideal for gardeners who don’t want to crouch down to reach the soil. To use, simply stand on the foot rest and apply pressure to insert the corer into the ground.
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Credit: B&Q
Coming in at just under £5, this stainless steel bulb planter is great for planting bulbs and seedlings fast. Simply brush off dirt after use to keep it in the best possible condition.
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she’s busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
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