The Top Bulbs To Plant This Fall For Vibrant Spring Flowers
Fall planting is a small thing you can do for your garden that has a big payoff when spring rolls around. You just dig a few holes, plant a few bulbs, and forget about them for months. Then one day, just when you're finally starting to get tired of winter, you'll catch a few flowers poking up through the snow. If you’ve never planted bulbs before, or just want to find a few new options, here are 10 that I think are both stunning and dependable. Just plant them this fall and let nature do the rest.
Daffodils
Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, and their bright yellow petals and trumpet-shaped blooms are a classic sign of warmer weather to come. And planting daffodil bulbs in the fall ensures they have enough time to establish roots before the cold sets in. These hardy flowers are easy to grow and don't need much maintenance, making them a perfect choice for gardeners of all levels.
Daffodils thrive in well-drained soil and prefer sunny locations, though they can also tolerate partial shade. Once planted, they will return year after year, multiplying over time to create an even fuller display. With their vibrant color and sweet shape, daffodils are a must-have for any spring garden.
Tulips
Tulips are known for their wide range of colors and elegant shapes, making them easy to fit into any garden design. Planting tulip bulbs in the fall allows them to develop strong roots, giving them a much better chance of blooming in spring. To set them up for success, plant tulips in well-drained soil, in an area with lots of sun. With proper care, tulips can create a breathtaking show of color that lasts for weeks.
While they are often found in formal gardens, tulips can also be planted in more casual settings, such as mixed borders or containers. Their beauty and versatility make tulips a favorite among gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their spring landscape.
Hyacinths
Known for their captivating scent and vibrant blooms, hyacinths should absolutely be one of your top picks for fall planting. These flowers come in a range of colors, including shades of pink, blue, white, and purple, giving you lots of options to choose from. Planting hyacinth bulbs in the fall allows them to establish themselves before the winter, which makes for stronger plants in spring.
These blooms thrive in well-drained soil and sunny locations, though they can also tolerate partial shade. Hyacinths are perfect for planting near walkways or entryways, where you'll actually get the benefits of how nice they smell. With their striking appearance and delightful scent, hyacinths add a lot to any garden space.
Crocuses
Crocuses are the little overachievers of spring. Like daffodils, they are among the earliest flowers to bloom, often showing up while there's still snow on the ground. Their small size makes them great for planting in lawns or scattering between rocks and shrubs. Even if you plant a few dozen, they won’t take up much space. Just be sure to get them in the ground early enough in fall, or you'll miss your planting window. Their purple, white, and yellow flowers bring a bright splash of color when you'll be wanting it the most.
Alliums
If you want something a little more architectural, try alliums. These are the flowers that you will see blooming on tall, straight stalks with globe-like flower heads, basically looking like firework bursts of purple or white. Strangely enough, they're part of the onion family, which means deer and rodents tend to leave them alone. Alliums bloom a little later in spring, sometimes even into early summer, which makes them great if you want to extend your garden’s bloom time. Just plant the bulbs deep in the ground and wait for them to surprise you.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops are delicate, white flowers that pop up to signal the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They’re subtle, and always make me feel a little hopeful when I see them popping through the late winter snow. Plant them near pathways or under deciduous trees, where you’ll be able to spot them while everything else is still bare. They prefer cooler climates and moist, well-drained soil. They won't give you a dramatic show, but the charm of seeing their nodding white heads on a late winter walk is hard to beat. They're a little flower that a lot of people forget about, but they're on this list for a reason.
Irises
Irises are a classic, reliable, choice, and come in more colors than you'd expect. From pale yellows and deep purples to even blues and bronzes, you really can't go wrong. Some types, like Dutch irises, grow from bulbs and are perfect for fall planting. Others grow from rhizomes, which are best planted in late summer, so double check before you buy. For bulbs, plant them grouped together in well-drained soil in a spot with full sun. They’ll bloom in late spring, and their elegant, frilly blooms stand tall and make great cut flowers, too. Plus, they're very low-maintenance once they get going.
Anemone Blanda (Grecian Windflower)
These cheerful, daisy-like flowers are a great way to add texture and movement to your spring garden. They come in pinks, purples, and whites, and they're especially good for naturalizing under shrubs or in rock gardens. Anemone blanda bulbs are small and do best if you give them a short soak in water before planting. They like part shade and do well in areas where the soil stays a little cooler. Once they bloom, they create a soft, low-growing blanket of color that’s hard not to love.
Fritillaries
Fritillaria is definitely a conversation starter. Some varieties, like Fritillaria meleagris, have a checkered pattern on their petals, while others, like the tall Fritillaria imperialis, have crown-like blooms that tower above other flowers. These aren't super common to find in most home gardens, but they should be. They like well-drained soil and when you plant them you should give them a little space to stretch. Their interesting look makes them one of the more unique bulbs you can plant in fall, and since many have a musky scent, they also keep critters like voles and squirrels away.
Planting Tips For Fall Bulbs
To make sure you get the spring blooms that you want, it's important to plant your bulbs at the right depth and give them enough space. Generally, bulbs should be planted at a depth of two to three times their height, with enough space between them to let them grow. It's very important to plant them in well-drained soil, as bulbs can rot in waterlogged conditions. Try adding compost or organic matter, which can improve soil quality and drainage, and don't forget to water the bulbs thoroughly after planting to help them settle in and establish roots before the ground freezes.
Mulching can give your bulbs a little added protection from extreme temperatures and help retain moisture in the soil too. By following these tips, you can confidently lay the ground work for a garden bursting with life and color when spring rolls around.
The great thing about fall planting is that it gives you something to look forward to when winter is finally over. When everything else starts dying back, you get to start laying the groundwork for new life. Whether you're a daffodil loyalist or want to try something new like fritillaria, bulbs are a simple way to bring color and life back to your garden in early spring. Dig a few holes, bury some bulbs, and come March or April, your garden will thank you with a show that is absolutely worth the wait.