Bulb Planting Guide

Thank you for buying your bulbs from Shoots & Blooms! 🌷 Here's everything you need to know to get a lovely show next spring. Any questions, just message us on 07427 694739.

The golden rules

Pointy end up. The flat, rooty end goes down.
Plant 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall.
Good drainage. Bulbs rot in soggy soil. In pots, add grit or crocks at the bottom.
Water after planting, then only in dry spells. Pots need checking more often.
After flowering, let the leaves die back naturally for 6 weeks. They feed next year's flowers.

Tulips

When: October to mid-December (planting late helps prevent tulip fire disease).
Depth: about 15cm deep, 10cm apart.
Where: sun, in pots or borders.

Daffodils and narcissus

When: September to November.
Depth: 10 to 15cm deep, about 10cm apart.
Where: sun or light shade, in borders, grass or pots. Little ones like 'Tête-à-Tête' and 'Minnow' are perfect for pots and window boxes.

Crocus and muscari

When: September to November.
Depth: about 8cm deep, 5 to 8cm apart.
Where: pots, rockeries, lawns and under shrubs. Bees love them in early spring.

Snowdrops

When: September to November.
Depth: about 8cm deep.
Where: light shade, under trees and shrubs. Keep the soil from drying out.

English bluebells

When: September to November.
Depth: 8 to 10cm deep.
Where: partial shade, under trees and in shady corners.

Anemone blanda

When: September to November.
Tip: soak the little corms in water overnight first.
Depth: about 5cm deep, 8cm apart.

Camassia

When: September to November.
Depth: 10 to 15cm deep, about 15cm apart.
Where: sun or partial shade. Happy in damp soil and meadows.

Bulb lasagne kits

Your kit comes in three labelled bags. Use a pot about 30cm wide with drainage holes.

Put crocks or grit in the bottom, then some compost.
Plant Bag 1 (the biggest bulbs), about 15 to 20cm below the rim. Cover with compost.
Plant Bag 2 on top and cover again.
Plant Bag 3 near the top (about 5cm deep), finish with compost and water well.
Keep the pot outside and water in dry spells. The flowers will come up layer by layer from late winter to May!