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A Guide to the Best Flowers to Grow From Bulbs
Growing flowers from bulbs is one of the most dependable and rewarding ways to create long-lasting color in the garden. Bulbs contain everything the plant needs to begin life, which makes them ideal for both experienced and novice gardeners. With proper planting and care, many bulb varieties will return year after year, often multiplying and producing an even more impressive display over time. Below is an expanded guide to the most popular and reliable flowers grown from bulbs, organized by the season in which they bloom, along with practical advice to help you achieve success.
Spring-Blooming Bulbs
Spring-flowering bulbs must be planted in the fall, when temperatures begin to cool and the bulbs can establish roots before winter. During the cold months, they undergo a natural chilling period required for flowering.
One of the most iconic spring bulbs is the tulip. Tulips offer an extraordinary range of shapes, heights, and colors, from delicate pastels to striking, saturated tones. They perform especially well in borders and containers, where their vivid petals make a dramatic impact. Tulips prefer well-drained soil and should be planted at a depth roughly three times the height of the bulb. In colder climates they often return reliably, but in warmer regions many gardeners treat them as annuals, replanting each year for the best display.
Daffodils, or narcissus, are among the most dependable bulbs of all. They naturalize readily, meaning they will multiply over time, and they are highly resistant to deer and rodents, which makes them invaluable in rural or wooded areas. Daffodils come in many forms, including classic yellows, white varieties, and unique double-flowered types. They are especially striking when planted in drifts or allowed to colonize open lawn areas, where they provide color long before the grass is actively growing.
Hyacinths are prized primarily for their fragrance, which is unmistakably sweet and powerful. Their thick, tightly packed flower spikes emerge in early spring and work beautifully near walkways, entryways, or seating areas where their scent can be enjoyed up close. Gardeners with sensitive skin should wear gloves when handling hyacinth bulbs, as they may cause irritation.
Crocuses are among the earliest signs of spring, sometimes pushing up through patches of snow. Their small, cup-shaped flowers are perfect for naturalizing in lawns, rock gardens, and sunny slopes. Because they bloom so early, they provide a critical source of nectar for pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.
Another spring favorite is grape hyacinth, known scientifically as Muscari. These low, clustered blooms resemble tiny bunches of grapes and spread easily over time. They are excellent for edging pathways, filling gaps between larger bulbs, or creating carpets of color beneath deciduous shrubs and trees. Their ability to naturalize makes them one of the easiest bulbs to maintain.
Summer-Blooming Bulbs
Summer-flowering bulbs are typically planted in spring, after any danger of frost has passed, and they bring a burst of color during the warmest part of the year.
Lilies, including Asiatic, Oriental, and Trumpet types, are among the most impressive summer bulb flowers. Asiatic lilies bloom early and come in bold colors, while Oriental lilies bloom later and are known for their remarkable fragrance and large, exotic-looking flowers. Lilies prefer full sun above ground and cool soil at their roots, which can be achieved by applying mulch or planting near groundcover plants. With good drainage, lilies will return year after year and often grow taller with each season.
Dahlias, although technically tubers rather than true bulbs, are widely grown alongside bulb plants for their long-lasting and highly ornamental blooms. They range in size from small border varieties to dinner-plate dahlias with flowers more than ten inches across. Dahlias appreciate full sun, fertile soil, and consistent watering. Tall varieties require support, such as stakes or frames, to prevent wind damage. In warm climates dahlias can remain in the ground year-round, but in colder regions the tubers are lifted after frost and stored indoors for winter.
Gladiolus, commonly called “glads,” produce tall flower spikes with blooms arranged in a vertical column. They are popular for cutting gardens because their long stems and structured form make them excellent for floral arrangements. To extend the blooming period, gardeners often plant gladiolus corms in succession, spacing plantings a week or two apart throughout the spring.
Fall-Blooming Bulbs
Fall-blooming bulbs are fewer in number but offer a lovely surprise at a time when many plants are beginning to fade. They are typically planted in late summer.
The autumn crocus, or Colchicum, produces flowers in shades of lavender, pink, and white during the early fall. Unlike many bulbs, the foliage appears in spring, then dies back in early summer, leaving the ground bare until the blooms emerge. Colchicum is particularly valuable in shaded or partially shaded gardens. However, it is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic, and it should be grown in areas away from pets or curious children.
The saffron crocus is another fall-blooming bulb and is unique in that it produces the stigmas used to create culinary saffron. These crocuses require well-drained soil and full sun to thrive. Harvesting the delicate red stigmas is a simple but rewarding process, and even a small planting can yield enough saffron to use in home cooking.
General Planting and Care Advice
To achieve the best results with bulbs, timing and soil preparation are crucial. Spring-blooming bulbs should be planted in the fall, while summer bloomers should be planted in spring once temperatures are reliably above freezing. Most bulbs thrive in soil that drains well; poorly drained soil increases the risk of rot, which is one of the most common causes of bulb failure. Amending heavy soil with compost or sand can improve conditions significantly.
Bulbs are typically planted at a depth equal to three times the height of the bulb itself. Although most bulbs have a pointed end that should face upward, they are surprisingly forgiving; if orientation is unclear, planting them on their side will still allow them to grow properly. After planting, bulbs should be watered once to settle the soil around them. Additional watering is only necessary if the soil becomes extremely dry, as bulbs store moisture and generally prefer not to sit in wet conditions.
Once bulbs bloom and their flowers fade, the foliage should be left in place until it turns yellow and withers naturally. This allows the bulb to gather energy for the next year’s growth. Removing or tying back foliage too soon can weaken the bulb and reduce future flowering.
Beginner-Friendly Choices
Some bulbs are particularly well suited to beginners due to their reliability and minimal maintenance needs. Daffodils, crocuses, grape hyacinths, and Asiatic lilies are among the easiest to grow successfully. They tolerate a wide range of conditions, return every year, and require very little specialized care.
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